hardly unexpected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hardly unexpected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was anticipated or predictable, even if it was not explicitly stated. Example: "The team's loss was hardly unexpected given their recent performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it was hardly unexpected.

The Economist

The backsliding is hardly unexpected.

The New York Times

The emotions were hardly unexpected.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it is hardly unexpected.

The Guardian - Opinion

The result was hardly unexpected.

The New York Times

These figures are hardly unexpected, given poor attendances.

Independent

Third, the super committee's demise was hardly unexpected.

The New Yorker

This swift one-two, while deplorable, was hardly unexpected.

The Guardian - Opinion

The news, when it came, was hardly unexpected.

The New York Times

Bertone was 78, so his departure was hardly unexpected.

The Guardian - Opinion

IT WAS hardly unexpected after weeks of leaks but it still hurt.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hardly unexpected" to subtly convey that an outcome was predictable, especially when you want to avoid sounding overly critical or judgmental.

Common error

While "hardly unexpected" is generally acceptable, be mindful of its frequency in formal writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "unsurprising" or "predictable" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hardly unexpected" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the degree to which something was anticipated. It suggests that an event was not surprising, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hardly unexpected" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that conveys a lack of surprise or the anticipation of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's particularly prevalent in news and media contexts. While versatile, writers should be mindful of its potential overuse in overly formal settings and consider synonyms like "unsurprising" or "predictable". The phrase maintains a neutral register, fitting various writing styles, and authoritative sources frequently employ it to denote events that align with expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unsurprising

A more direct synonym, simply stating that it doesn't cause surprise.

Barely surprising

Emphasizes the minimal level of surprise associated with an event.

Not surprising at all

Directly states the absence of surprise.

As expected

Indicates the event happened according to expectations.

Predictable

Highlights the foreseeability of the event.

Foreseeable

Similar to predictable, indicating the ability to anticipate the event.

It was to be expected

Emphasizes that the event was inevitable or highly probable.

Anticipated

Focuses on the expectation of the event beforehand.

Not a shock

Informal way of expressing a lack of surprise.

Could have seen it coming

An informal expression indicating that the event was easily predictable.

FAQs

How can I use "hardly unexpected" in a sentence?

You can use "hardly unexpected" to express that an event or outcome was anticipated or foreseeable. For example, "The team's defeat was "hardly unexpected", given their recent losing streak."

What's a less formal way to say "hardly unexpected"?

If you're looking for a less formal alternative, you could say "not surprising" or "no surprise". These options are suitable for casual conversations or less formal writing.

Is "hardly unexpected" the same as "unexpected"?

No, ""hardly unexpected"" means that something was anticipated to some extent, while "unexpected" means that something was not anticipated at all. They have opposite meanings.

What are some synonyms for "hardly unexpected" in formal writing?

In formal writing, you can use alternatives such as ""predictable"", "foreseeable", or ""unsurprising"" to convey a similar meaning to "hardly unexpected".