does not conform to expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not conform to expectations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing situations, behaviors, or outcomes that deviate from what is anticipated or considered normal. Example: "The results of the experiment do not conform to expectations, leading us to question our initial hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Therefore, although the nucleosome positioning profile at this position does not conform to expectations, it appears to provide relevant conformation for TBP binding (Imbalzano et al., 1994).

Gene

The board may insist that the architect or design firm have professional liability coverage — also known as errors and omissions coverage — to protect the co-op if the work does not conform to expectations or the design is defective.

The New York Times

The Geordie shore Correction: Lords reform ReprintsIt is usually unwise to dismiss information merely because it does not conform to expectations: it might be telling you something you did not know.

The Economist

Both experiments demonstrated that readers are slower to read words when their stress pattern does not conform to expectations.

Journal of Memory and Language

The correlation with maximum length of perfect match does not conform to expectations based on considering the effect of mismatches purely in terms of reducing the binding energy.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The restaurant, too, doesn't conform to expectations.

Independent

Whatever happened between Tyler and his mother and however it left him feeling, I hope all parents are prompted by his death and by this case to ask themselves how they'd deal not only with a gay child but with any child growing into a person who doesn't conform to expectations, assumptions and wishes.

The New York Times

He doesn't conform to expectations.

Huffington Post

As described in the Introduction section, the structures of some RBR domains did not conform to expectations and, therefore, have provided new insights into their functions.

Biochemical Journal

Most gene fragments are highly polymorphic and display signatures of balancing selection or bottlenecks; chloroplast SSR markers have significant statistics that do not conform to expectations for population bottlenecks.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Later, Kant and Schopenhauer thought laughter arose from incongruity, that is, when events don't conform to expectations (30 clowns emerge from a tiny car).

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance the impact of the phrase "does not conform to expectations", consider replacing 'expectations' with a more specific noun phrase that details what was anticipated. For example, 'does not conform to industry standards' or 'does not conform to the project's initial goals'.

Common error

While "does not conform to expectations" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with alternatives like "deviates from expectations" or "fails to meet expectations" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not conform to expectations" functions as a descriptive statement indicating that something deviates from what was anticipated or predicted. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, including scientific research and general observations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does not conform to expectations" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, suitable for describing situations where outcomes deviate from predictions or norms. According to Ludwig, it's most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, indicating a formal to neutral register. While effective, varying your vocabulary with alternatives like "deviates from expectations" can enhance your writing. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its versatility in different scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deviates from expectations

Focuses on the act of straying from what was predicted or hoped for.

diverges from expectations

Emphasizes a branching off or separation from the anticipated outcome.

contradicts expectations

Highlights a direct opposition to what was foreseen.

fails to meet expectations

Focuses on the lack of fulfillment of what was anticipated.

falls short of expectations

Similar to 'fails to meet', but emphasizes a deficiency in reaching the desired level.

is at odds with expectations

Indicates a conflict or incompatibility with what was predicted.

differs from expectations

Simply states a difference, without necessarily implying a negative outcome.

doesn't align with expectations

Emphasizes a lack of agreement or correspondence with what was anticipated.

is inconsistent with expectations

Highlights a lack of uniformity or predictability in relation to what was anticipated.

bucks the trend

Informal phrase suggesting resistance or opposition to a common pattern.

FAQs

How can I use "does not conform to expectations" in a sentence?

You can use "does not conform to expectations" to describe situations where the outcome or result is different from what was predicted or hoped for. For example: "The experimental data "does not conform to" the theoretical model."

What are some alternatives to "does not conform to expectations"?

Alternatives include "deviates from expectations", "fails to meet expectations", or "contradicts expectations". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "does not meet expectations" or "does not conform to expectations"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and express a similar idea. "Does not conform to expectations" implies a departure from a standard or pattern, while "does not meet expectations" suggests a failure to reach a desired level or standard.

What does it mean when something "does not conform to expectations" in a scientific context?

In a scientific context, "does not conform to expectations" means that the observed results or data are inconsistent with the predictions of a theory or hypothesis. This can lead to further investigation and refinement of the theory.