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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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it's to be expected

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

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.

"But it's to be expected.

News & Media

The New York Times

But perhaps it's to be expected.

"It's to be expected," he said.

News & Media

The New York Times

"It's to be expected," Jones said of those who doubted her return.

"It's to be expected," Ash said, meaning the Yankees' signing of a high-priced player.

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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

Huffington Post

It is to be expected that more detailed information about its function will be available shortly.

It was to be expected.

Some of it is to be expected.

News & Media

The Guardian

"It was to be expected," she said.

News & Media

The Guardian
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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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Very common

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.

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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Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: