it was expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was expected" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to show that something was anticipated or that it was the natural result of some event or action. Example: "The market dropped significantly, as it was expected following the negative news report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was expected".

The New York Times

It was expected then.

The Guardian - Music

IT WAS expected to do well.

The Economist

"It was expected," the officer said.

The New York Times

"It was expected," she said.

The New York Times - Style

"It was expected," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

It was expected to and did answer no.

The Economist

It was expected to conclude Thursday.

MIT Technology Review

It was expected to be Adele's year.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

This comes days before it was expected to ship, too.

TechCrunch

In fact, it was expected news.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was expected" to indicate a logical or predictable outcome based on prior knowledge or circumstances. It provides a sense of inevitability without assigning blame or surprise.

Common error

Avoid using "it was expected" when describing a truly surprising or unforeseen event. This phrase implies a degree of predictability, which would be contradictory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was expected" primarily functions as an introductory clause expressing anticipation or a lack of surprise. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in setting the stage for subsequent information, indicating that the following event or situation was not unexpected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was expected" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that an event or outcome was anticipated, aligning with prior knowledge or logical reasoning. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its prevalence in news and media highlights its role in framing events within a context of predictability. While suitable for various registers, careful consideration should be given to avoid misapplication in situations that are genuinely surprising or unforeseen. Mastering the use of "it was expected" enhances clarity and precision in written and spoken communication by effectively conveying a sense of inevitability when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was to be expected

Adds slight emphasis by including "to be", but semantically identical.

it was anticipated

Replaces "expected" with "anticipated", implying a slightly more formal or predictive element.

that was anticipated

Similar to "it was anticipated" but with a shift in emphasis to the event.

that was anticipated

Shifts focus slightly to 'that' making it more suitable when referring to specific situations.

it was foreseen

Suggests a prior understanding or prediction of the event, similar to "expected" but with a stronger emphasis on foresight.

that was foreseen

Mirrors "it was foreseen" but shifts focus to a specific prior mentioned event.

it was predictable

Focuses on the inevitability of the outcome, emphasizing that the result was easy to foresee based on the circumstances.

that was predictable

Similar to "it was predictable" but with a shift in emphasis to the event.

it was bound to happen

Indicates that the event was unavoidable or destined to occur, implying a lack of control over the situation.

it was inevitable

Emphasizes the certainty of the event, suggesting that nothing could have prevented it from occurring.

FAQs

How can I use "it was expected" in a sentence?

You can use "it was expected" to describe an event that was anticipated or predictable based on prior knowledge or circumstances. For example, "The company's profits declined, as "it was expected" due to the economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to "it was expected"?

You can use alternatives like "it was anticipated", "it was foreseen", or "it was predictable" depending on the context.

Is "it was expected" formal or informal?

"It was expected" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it appropriate for various types of communication.

What is the difference between "it was expected" and "it was hoped"?

"It was expected" implies anticipation based on logical reasoning or prior knowledge, while "it was hoped" suggests a desired outcome that may not necessarily be likely. For example, "The team lost, although "it was hoped" they would win" versus "The team lost, as "it was expected" given their injuries."