it was not expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was not expected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something occurred that was unforeseen or surprising. Example: "The sudden change in weather was not expected, catching everyone off guard."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The authors used a one-sided statistical test to analyze the RBC transfusion data because "it was not expected that administration of rFVIIa would increase transfusion requirements".

Critical Care

As its name suggests, it was not expected to vary as the universe aged.

The Economist

In November Aurigny announced a £1.5m loss in 2008 and its chairman said it was not expected to make a profit until 2011 at the earliest.

BBC

Because a large proportion of early-onset pneumonia results from early aspiration, it was not expected that staffing level would influence its occurrence.

Critical Care

It was not expected to pass.

The New York Times

His speech broke no new ground concerning the peace process, but it was not expected to.

The New York Times

But he said it was not expected to cause problems for the recovery effort.

The New York Times

While this is logical and consistent with the position in Scotland, it was not expected.

The Guardian

It was not expected to fully recede before the end of the week.

The New York Times

Such a confrontation was unprecedented, and it was not expected to go unpunished.

The New Yorker

"Certainly it was not expected," said the town supervisor, Robert Kozakiewicz.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was not expected" to introduce information that contradicts common assumptions or prior knowledge. This can create emphasis and highlight the unexpected nature of the event or finding.

Common error

Avoid using "it was not expected" as a direct replacement for phrases indicating causation. While something unexpected might have influenced an outcome, ensure the sentence clearly reflects the actual relationship, rather than just surprise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was not expected" primarily functions as a clause opener or introductory phrase. It sets the stage for information that contrasts with previous assumptions or predictions. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, indicating its acceptability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was not expected" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to highlight surprise or the divergence of an outcome from prior expectations. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's high usability. It is commonly found in both news and scientific contexts. When writing, use it to introduce unexpected findings or to emphasize a contrast with common assumptions. Although acceptable in diverse contexts, avoid confusing it with phrases that indicate direct causation. Alternatives like "it was unforeseen" or "it came as a surprise" can provide nuanced substitutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was unforeseen

Focuses on the inability to see or predict something beforehand.

it was unanticipated

Emphasizes the lack of anticipation or expectation.

it came as a surprise

Highlights the unexpected nature of an event or outcome.

it was unpredicted

Indicates that something was not predicted or forecast.

it defied expectations

Suggests that something went against what was normally expected.

it wasn't anticipated

A more casual way of expressing the lack of anticipation.

it was not predicted

Highlights a failure of forecasting or prediction.

it took everyone by surprise

Emphasizes the widespread astonishment caused by an event.

it was a shock

Indicates a sudden and often negative surprise.

it was quite unexpected

Stresses the degree to which something was surprising.

FAQs

How can I use "it was not expected" in a sentence?

Use "it was not expected" to introduce a situation, result, or outcome that differed from what was anticipated. For example, "It was not expected that the new policy would cause such a significant drop in employee morale".

What can I say instead of "it was not expected"?

You can use alternatives such as "it was unforeseen", "it was unanticipated", or "it came as a surprise" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it was not expected" in formal writing?

Yes, "it was not expected" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to introduce unexpected outcomes or deviations from predictions.

What's the difference between "it was not expected" and "it was unexpected"?

While similar, "it was not expected" emphasizes the lack of prior anticipation or planning, while "it was unexpected" simply highlights the surprising nature of the event. The first is often used to comment on assumptions, while the second focuses on the event itself.