Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it's to be expected
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesTable of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
53 human-written examples
So perhaps it's to be expected that the country's cinema is changing, too.
News & Media
"But it's to be expected.
News & Media
But perhaps it's to be expected.
News & Media
"It's to be expected," he said.
News & Media
"It's to be expected," Jones said of those who doubted her return.
News & Media
"It's to be expected," Ash said, meaning the Yankees' signing of a high-priced player.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
6 human-written examples
Therefore, it is to be expected, that tomorrow's speech will be less dramatic and less apocalyptic.
News & Media
It is to be expected that more detailed information about its function will be available shortly.
Science
It was to be expected.
News & Media
Some of it is to be expected.
News & Media
"It was to be expected," she said.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
In formal writing, consider using a more explicit phrasing such as "it is to be expected" for clarity.
Common error
Avoid using "it's to be expected" without clearly establishing what 'it' refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader. Make sure the subject is either previously mentioned or easily inferred from the context.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it's to be expected" functions as an comment clause. It often serves to indicate predictability or a lack of surprise regarding a particular situation or outcome. Ludwig examples show it in diverse contexts, from sports to politics, highlighting its versatility.
Frequent in
News & Media
70%
Sport
10%
Opinion
10%
Less common in
Science
4%
Formal & Business
3%
Wiki
3%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "it's to be expected" is a versatile phrase used to convey a lack of surprise or to indicate that an outcome is predictable, frequently appearing in news, sports, and opinion pieces. Ludwig examples illustrate its widespread use across various contexts. Although grammatically correct and common, ensure the context clearly defines what 'it' refers to, and consider the tone to avoid sounding dismissive. Alternatives such as "it comes as no surprise" or "it was foreseeable" may provide nuanced emphasis. In short, while Ludwig confirms that this phrase is acceptable and widely understood, mindful usage ensures effective communication.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it comes as no surprise
Emphasizes the lack of surprise at the outcome.
it was foreseeable
Highlights the predictability of the event.
that was bound to happen
Suggests inevitability, often with a sense of resignation.
it was inevitable
Stresses that the event could not be avoided.
it's only natural
Implies that the outcome aligns with normal expectations.
it stands to reason
Suggests that the outcome is logical and justifiable.
par for the course
Indicates that the outcome is typical or standard in a given situation.
it figures
Expresses a sense of something being typical or predictable, often with a negative connotation.
one could anticipate that
Highlights the ability to see event coming ahead of time.
it shouldn't come as a shock
Highlights the lack of a surprise and sometimes with sarcasm.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "it's to be expected" to sound more formal?
For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "it is to be expected", "it is anticipated", or "it is foreseeable". These alternatives often lend a more professional or academic feel to your writing.
What does "it's to be expected" mean?
The phrase "it's to be expected" means that something is not surprising and aligns with what one would anticipate given the circumstances. It implies a lack of astonishment because the outcome was predictable.
When is it appropriate to use "it's to be expected" in writing?
Use "it's to be expected" when you want to convey that an event or outcome is a natural or logical consequence of something else. It's appropriate when you don't want to express surprise or when you wish to downplay the significance of an event.
Are there any nuances to consider when using "it's to be expected"?
The phrase "it's to be expected" can sometimes come across as dismissive or resigned. Consider the tone you wish to convey; if you need to express empathy or concern, a different phrasing might be more suitable. Alternatives include acknowledging the difficulty while still recognizing the predictability of the situation.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested