had been expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had been expected" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something was anticipated or predicted in the past. Example: "The results of the experiment had been expected to show a significant improvement over the previous trials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The cancellation had been expected.

The New York Times

The announcement had been expected.

The New York Times - Sports

The decision had been expected.

The New York Times

The change of plea had been expected.

The New York Times

It had been expected to lose.

The New Yorker

It had been expected for months.

Independent

This had been expected.

The New Yorker

Connell's suspension had been expected.

The New York Times - Sports

The shift had been expected.

The New York Times

These complaints had been expected.

The New York Times

That finish had been expected.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had been expected" to clearly indicate that an event or outcome was anticipated before it actually occurred. This helps to establish a sense of context and understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "had been expected" when referring to present expectations. Ensure the event you are describing took place in the past and the expectation preceded it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had been expected" functions as a passive construction indicating that something was anticipated or predicted prior to its occurrence. Ludwig shows numerous examples where this phrase sets context by referencing prior expectations, such as in news reports and business analyses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had been expected" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something was anticipated before it happened. Ludwig AI confirms its broad usage, particularly in news and formal contexts. When writing, remember that this phrase best suits situations where you want to emphasize that an event aligned with previous anticipations. Alternatives like "was anticipated" or "was predicted" can offer similar meanings but may alter the nuance slightly. Being mindful of the tense and context will ensure you use this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was anticipated

Uses a more formal verb to convey a similar sense of expectation.

was predicted

Focuses on the predictive aspect, suggesting a forecast or prognostication.

was foreseen

Implies a prior awareness or the ability to see into the future.

was anticipated beforehand

Adds emphasis to the timing of the anticipation, highlighting that it occurred in advance.

was rumored

Suggests that the expectation was based on unofficial information or hearsay.

was on the cards

An idiomatic expression implying that something was very likely to happen.

everyone knew it was coming

An informal way to say that something was widely expected.

had been deemed probable

Indicates that something was considered likely based on available evidence.

was long awaited

Highlights the duration of the anticipation, implying a significant wait.

was considered inevitable

Suggests that the outcome was unavoidable or certain to occur.

FAQs

How can I use "had been expected" in a sentence?

Use "had been expected" to indicate that something was anticipated or predicted before it happened. For example, "The company's quarterly earnings report, which showed a significant loss, "had been expected" due to recent market downturns."

What are some alternatives to "had been expected"?

Alternatives include "was anticipated", "was predicted", or "was foreseen", depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Each suggests a slightly different flavor of expectation.

Is it correct to say "was expected" instead of "had been expected"?

While both are grammatically correct, "had been expected" implies that the expectation occurred before a specific event in the past. "Was expected" can refer to a general expectation or one that continues to the present.

What is the difference between "had been expected" and "was supposed to happen"?

"Had been expected" indicates a prediction or anticipation, while "was supposed to happen" implies an arrangement, plan, or obligation. The former is about foresight, the latter about intent or agreement.