it anticipated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it anticipated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that was expected or predicted in the past. Example: "The report indicated that it anticipated a significant increase in sales for the upcoming quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It said it anticipated resuming overnight services through its south tunnel, which was unaffected by the fire.

BBC

I.B.M. also expressed its confidence in the current year, saying it anticipated earnings for 2012 of "at least $14.85 a share".

The New York Times - Tech

Like other Japanese automakers, Honda said it anticipated difficulties in recovering the bulk of its claims.

Huffington Post

The BBC said it anticipated "some disruption to the schedule" and apologized to its audience.

The New York Times

In the same statement the company said it anticipated losses of around £621 million ($995 million) when it releases its second-quarter earnings report next week.

Independent

It anticipated me.

The New York Times - Books

Next IT anticipated that people would test the technology.

The New York Times

It now acknowledges that the venture has been much more difficult than it anticipated.

The New York Times

Besides, he concluded, Microsoft had no problem with the "tinkerer crew" because it anticipated them.

The New York Times

Though hardly commercial, it anticipated a byword of modern advertising: forget the steak, sell the sizzle.

The New Yorker

The battered company attributed the losses — which were even greater than it anticipated — to price shock.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it anticipated" when you want to emphasize that something was foreseen or expected based on prior knowledge or evidence.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "it anticipated" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "it expected" or "it thought" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it anticipated" functions as a statement indicating a prediction or expectation of a future event or situation. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to describe what an entity (e.g. a company, organization, or even a book) had foreseen.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it anticipated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express that something was expected or foreseen. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears commonly in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. While versatile, simpler alternatives might be preferred in informal settings. The phrase is useful for indicating a prediction or expectation based on prior knowledge or planning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it foresaw

This alternative uses a different verb with a similar meaning of predicting or expecting something in advance.

it expected

This option is more general and implies a belief that something would happen, without necessarily implying foresight.

it predicted

This suggests a more specific and confident forecast of a future event.

it projected

Implies a formal estimation or calculation of a future outcome, often based on data.

it envisioned

Suggests a mental image or concept of the future, often with a sense of creativity or innovation.

it had foreseen

This uses the past perfect tense to emphasize that the anticipation occurred before a specific point in the past.

it had expected

Similar to 'it expected' but emphasizes the anticipation occurred earlier.

it had predicted

Similar to 'it predicted' but emphasizes the anticipation occurred earlier.

it took into account

Implies consideration of something when planning or making a decision, suggesting a form of anticipation.

it factored in

Similar to 'it took into account', suggesting the inclusion of something as a relevant element.

FAQs

How can I use "it anticipated" in a sentence?

You can use "it anticipated" to describe something that was expected or foreseen. For example: "The company said "it anticipated" a rise in profits due to increased sales."

What are some alternatives to "it anticipated"?

Alternatives include "it expected", "it foresaw", or "it predicted". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it anticipated" formal or informal?

"It anticipated" leans towards a more formal register. In casual settings, phrases like "it expected" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "it anticipated" and "it expected"?

"It anticipated" often implies a degree of foresight or planning, whereas "it expected" is a more general term for believing something would happen.