it cannot be expected that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it cannot be expected that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that a certain outcome or behavior is unrealistic or unreasonable to anticipate. Example: "Given the circumstances, it cannot be expected that everyone will agree on the proposed changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

In particular, it cannot be expected that ATP is stable enough to maintain its concentration over a long period of time.

Biogerontology

It cannot be expected that high culture will soon, if ever, become a majority interest.

The Guardian - Books

It cannot be expected that the Government should be required in addition to show specific acts of sabotage or incitement to subversive action.

Cornell University

Hence, it cannot be expected that UN actions in defense of human rights will be, normally, either swift or categorically effective.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It cannot be expected that the so-called wealthier districts will be able to fund the city's schools by reducing aid to us".

The New York Times

Under this situation, it cannot be expected that one site, KEK, will be able to provide all computing resources for the whole Belle II collaboration including the resources not only for the raw data processing but also for the MC production and physics analysis done by users.

Nuclear and Particle Physics Proceedings

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

As it cannot be expected, however, that judges will always possess the requisite knowledge of the meaning of the terms of art or science used in letters patent, it often becomes necessary that they should avail themselves of the light furnished by experts relevant to the significance of such words and phrases.

Cornell University

It cannot be expected to know that 1998, the baseline year for IPCC data, was unusually warm.

Independent

Yet if the European Tour deserves congratulations for its sense of theatre, it cannot be expected to guarantee anything other than that the gladiators will turn up on time.

The Guardian - Sport

The researchers concluded that the MMR vaccine "cannot explain the rise over time" of ASD, and that withdrawing it "cannot be expected to lead to a reduction in the incidence of ASD".

The Guardian

As long as there are no paper records, and voting machine manufacturers continue to insist that the software that runs the machines is a "trade secret," voters cannot be expected to trust that votes are being counted correctly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it cannot be expected that" to set realistic expectations in your writing. It's particularly useful in reports, analyses, and forecasts to manage potential misinterpretations or disappointments.

Common error

While "it cannot be expected that" is a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "it is unlikely that" or "one should not anticipate that" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it cannot be expected that" functions as a hedge, softening a statement by expressing a lack of certainty or reasonable anticipation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable English phrase. It is frequently used to manage expectations or to qualify predictions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

25%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it cannot be expected that" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to indicate a lack of reasonable anticipation or certainty about an event or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and applicable in various contexts, including science, news, and academia. While suitable for formal and neutral registers, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternative phrasing for stylistic variation. Keep in mind that it is used for managing expectations and presenting realistic assessments. The frequency of "it cannot be expected that" is classified as common, and its primary function is to express doubt or uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unlikely that

Replaces "cannot be expected" with a direct statement of improbability. More concise.

there's little chance that

Highlights the small possibility of something happening.

it is improbable that

Similar to "it is unlikely", but suggests a lower probability.

it is doubtful that

Expresses doubt about the possibility of something.

one should not anticipate that

More formal and emphasizes the lack of anticipation.

it's questionable whether

Expresses uncertainty or doubt about a particular outcome.

it is not reasonable to assume that

Highlights the lack of reason in making a particular assumption.

it would be unrealistic to think that

Focuses on the unrealistic nature of a particular thought or expectation.

it's a long shot that

Informal and emphasizes the low odds of something happening.

do not hold your breath for

An idiomatic expression conveying low expectations for something to occur.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it cannot be expected that" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "it is unlikely that", "it is improbable that", or "one should not anticipate that" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to use "it cannot be expected that"?

Yes, the phrase "it cannot be expected that" is grammatically correct and widely used in formal and informal writing to express that something is unlikely or should not be anticipated.

What's the difference between "it cannot be expected that" and "it should not be expected that"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "it cannot be expected that" suggests a stronger sense of impossibility or unreasonableness, whereas "it should not be expected that" implies that something is undesirable or inappropriate to expect.

In what contexts is "it cannot be expected that" most appropriate?

"It cannot be expected that" is suitable for various contexts, including academic writing, news reports, and formal analyses, where setting realistic expectations is crucial. Consider alternative options like "it is unlikely that" for less formal contexts.