expected it to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expected it to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing anticipation or belief regarding a future event or outcome. Example: "I expected it to rain today, so I brought my umbrella."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We expected it to come".

The New York Times - Sports

He'd expected it to happen.

The New Yorker

"I expected it to be close".

The New York Times - Sports

"Honestly, we expected it to be fine".

The New York Times

"Market participants expected it to work".

The New York Times

I definitely expected it to be shabbier".

Independent

I never expected it, to be honest".

The Guardian - Sport

"I expected it to be more".

The New York Times - Health

"I expected it to be easier".

The New York Times - Sports

In fairness, who expected it to be?

The Guardian - Sport

Well, I never expected it to happen.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expected it to", ensure the context clearly establishes who held the expectation and what the expected outcome was. This avoids ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "expected it to" when a stronger verb would be more concise and impactful. Overuse can weaken your writing. Instead of "I expected it to rain", consider "I anticipated rain".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expected it to" functions as a verb phrase expressing anticipation or belief regarding a future event or outcome. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and widely used. It requires a clear subject and context to define the 'it' being referenced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expected it to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to express anticipation or belief about a future event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and readily found across diverse contexts. Predominantly featured in News & Media sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both informal and formal communication. When utilizing this phrase, remember to establish context by identifying the subject and its reference to avoid ambiguity. For alternatives, you may use phrases like "anticipated that it would" or "assumed that it would" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anticipated that it would

Replaces "expected" with "anticipated", suggesting a more formal or considered expectation.

assumed that it would

Emphasizes a belief based on less concrete evidence than "expected".

presumed that it would

Similar to "assumed" but often implies a higher degree of confidence.

predicted that it would

Suggests a forecast based on analysis or insight.

thought that it would

A more casual and less assertive way of expressing expectation.

believed that it would

Focuses on a firm conviction about the likely outcome.

foresaw that it would

Implies an ability to see or anticipate something before it happens.

envisioned that it would

Focuses on the mental image or visualization of a future event.

counted on it to

Suggests reliance or dependence on a specific outcome.

looked forward to it

Indicates anticipation with a positive or eager feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "expected it to" in a sentence?

You can use "expected it to" to express an anticipation or belief about a future event, like "I "expected it to" be sunny today" or "She "expected it to" arrive on time".

What are some alternatives to "expected it to"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "anticipated that it would", "assumed that it would", or "thought that it would" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to include "it" after "expected"?

In the phrase "expected it to", "it" typically refers to a specific event or outcome previously mentioned or implied in the context. Omitting "it" might make the sentence grammatically incorrect or unclear.

What's the difference between "expected it to" and "hoped it would"?

"Expected it to" implies a belief or anticipation based on some level of reasoning or evidence, while "hoped it would" expresses a desire for a particular outcome, without necessarily implying a strong belief in its likelihood.