it was expected to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was expected to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that was anticipated or predicted to happen in the past. Example: "The project was ambitious, and it was expected to take several months to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

IT WAS expected to do well.

The Economist

It was expected to be Adele's year.

The New York Times - Arts

It was expected to earn $2.05.

The New York Times

It was expected to raise $540m.

The Guardian

It was expected to rise still further.

The Guardian

It was expected to break even.

The New York Times

It was expected to ruffle a few feathers.

The New York Times

(It was expected to bring at most $12,000).

The New York Times - Arts

By day's end, it was expected to be 80 percent.

The New York Times

It was expected to arrive 12 hours late.

Independent

It was expected to earn 55 cents a share.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was expected to", ensure the subject and the expected outcome are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "it was expected to do well", specify "The new product was expected to do well in the market".

Common error

Avoid using "it was expected to" without a clear antecedent for 'it'. Ensure the reader knows exactly what 'it' refers to. Vague references can confuse the reader and weaken your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was expected to" functions as a modal expression indicating anticipation or prediction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it introduces a situation that was anticipated based on prior knowledge or assumptions. It's often followed by a verb phrase describing the expected outcome or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was expected to" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express anticipation or prediction. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it maintains a neutral register, ensuring clarity in subject reference is crucial for effective communication. Consider alternatives like "it was anticipated that" or "it was predicted to" for nuanced expressions of expectation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was anticipated that

Replaces 'expected' with 'anticipated', emphasizing a sense of foreknowledge or prediction.

it was predicted to

Substitutes 'expected' with 'predicted', highlighting the act of forecasting based on available information.

it was projected to

Uses 'projected' instead of 'expected', suggesting a formal estimation or forecast, often based on data.

it was foreseen to

Replaces 'expected' with 'foreseen', indicating a prior awareness or insight into a future event.

it was assumed to

Employs 'assumed' instead of 'expected', implying a belief or supposition without concrete proof.

it was supposed to

Utilizes 'supposed to', indicating an expectation based on a plan, agreement, or obligation.

it was meant to

Uses 'meant to', suggesting an intention or pre-determined outcome that was anticipated.

it was estimated to

Replaces 'expected' with 'estimated', highlighting a rough calculation or approximation of a future result.

it was anticipated to happen

Adds 'to happen' for emphasis, making the expectation of an event more explicit.

it was thought to

Substitutes 'expected' with 'thought', conveying a general belief or opinion about a future outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was expected to" to describe anticipated outcomes or events. For example, "The company's profits were lower than "it was expected to" be."

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

Alternatives include "it was anticipated that", "it was predicted to", or "it was projected to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "it was expected to" and "it was supposed to"?

"It was expected to" implies a prediction, while "it was supposed to" suggests an obligation or plan. For example, "The package was expected to arrive today" (prediction) vs. "The package was supposed to arrive today" (it was scheduled).

Is "it was expected to" formal or informal?

"It was expected to" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might prefer "it was anticipated that".