it was expected that

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was expected that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing a situation that was anticipated or considered likely to happen in the future. For example: "It was expected that the exam results would be posted online by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was expected that she would not become pregnant.

The New Yorker

It was expected that hundreds of thousands would protest.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was expected that we would make a profit.

The New Yorker

It was expected that Vanlev would work in both studies.

Forbes

It was expected that she would eventually be named CEO.

Forbes

It was expected that construction works in the river section might affect water quality.

Journal of Environmental Management

It was expected that affective and social-cognitive factors explain involvement in defending.

Journal of School Psychology

It was expected that it would play a major role among traditional TV services.

Entertainment Computing

It was expected that greater differences would be observed when sites were more isolated.

Acta Oecologica

It was expected that our model was also applicable to magnetron sputtering systems with other dimensions.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Nevertheless, it was expected that HRWRA% should not have any influence on the 7-day strength.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was expected that" to clearly indicate an anticipation or prior belief, providing context for subsequent events or outcomes. This phrase works well in both formal and informal writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessive use of passive constructions like "it was expected that" can make writing sound indirect and less engaging. Consider rephrasing with a more active voice where appropriate, such as "analysts expected..." or "we anticipated..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was expected that" serves as a reporting clause that introduces a statement about a past anticipation or belief. It sets the stage for explaining a subsequent event or outcome based on prior assumptions, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

71%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was expected that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce anticipated events or outcomes, commonly found in both scientific and news-related contexts. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and useful for setting context. When writing, it is best to use it in moderation because can introduce passive voice, and be mindful of accurately reflecting past expectations. By considering alternatives such as "it was anticipated that" or "it was assumed that", you can fine-tune your writing to convey the precise intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was anticipated that

Replaces "expected" with "anticipated", suggesting a slightly more formal or careful consideration.

it was predicted that

Substitutes "expected" with "predicted", implying a forecast or projection based on available data.

the expectation was that

A more nominal form, emphasizing the expectation itself rather than the act of expecting.

it was assumed that

Replaces "expected" with "assumed", indicating a belief taken for granted without proof.

it was presumed that

Similar to "assumed", but with a slightly stronger sense of confidence in the belief.

it was thought that

A more general alternative, indicating a common belief or opinion.

it was envisioned that

Suggests a mental image or plan of what was likely to happen.

it was foreseen that

Emphasizes the ability to see or anticipate something in advance.

it was projected that

Implies a formal estimate or forecast, often used in statistical or financial contexts.

it was speculated that

Indicates that the idea was based on conjecture or guesswork.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was expected that" to introduce a situation or outcome that was anticipated or considered likely. For instance, "it was expected that the meeting would be productive".

What are some alternatives to "it was expected that"?

Alternatives include "it was anticipated that", "it was predicted that", or "it was assumed that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was expected, that..." grammatically correct?

No, adding a comma after "expected" is generally incorrect. The correct phrasing is "it was expected that" without a comma.

What's the difference between "it was expected that" and "it is expected that"?

"It was expected that" refers to a past expectation, while "it is expected that" refers to a current or ongoing expectation.