it was not unexpected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was not unexpected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an event or outcome was anticipated or foreseen, often in a context where one might expect surprise. Example: "Given the recent developments in the case, the verdict was not unexpected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Because of its ubiquitous environmental presence, it was not unexpected to detect p,p´-DDE in control mice.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Security researcher Kurt Baumgartner from Kaspersky Lab also criticised Yahoo for its slow response to the attack but said it was not unexpected.

The Guardian - Tech

Yet it was not unexpected.

The Economist

It was not unexpected.

The Washington Post

She was aged, and it was not unexpected.

The Washington Post

AS LAST-MINUTE team changes go, it was not unexpected.

The Economist

He said: "I am naturally disappointed by today's judgment, though it was not unexpected.

The Guardian

The grim truth about this new bloodshed is that it was not unexpected.

Independent

The decision was a setback for the president, but it was not unexpected.

The New York Times

He said it was not unexpected that the patterns would change when GPS and other deformation data was analyzed.

The New York Times - Science

But, he added, it was not unexpected, pointing out the work had been tipped for the win for several years.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow the phrase with a 'that' clause explaining why the event wasn't surprising. For example, "It was not unexpected that sales would decline after the promotion ended".

Common error

While "it was not unexpected" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Opt for stronger, more direct alternatives like "it was anticipated" or "the result was predictable" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was not unexpected" functions as a comment or assessment regarding an event or outcome. It indicates that the event was predictable or foreseeable. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was not unexpected" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a lack of surprise regarding an event or outcome that aligns with prior expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. While its register is generally neutral, it's crucial to select stronger alternatives in formal writing to maintain a professional tone. Common synonyms include "it was anticipated", "it was foreseeable", and "it came as no surprise".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was anticipated

Focuses on the anticipation of an event.

it was foreseeable

Highlights the ability to see or predict the event beforehand.

it was predictable

Emphasizes the predictability of the outcome.

it came as no surprise

Indicates a lack of astonishment at the event.

it was to be expected

Suggests that the event was something that should have been anticipated.

it was not surprising

Directly states that the event did not cause surprise.

it was almost certain

Highlights the high probability of the event occurring.

it was bound to happen

Implies inevitability of the event.

it was a foregone conclusion

Indicates that the result was decided in advance.

the writing was on the wall

Suggests that the signs of the event were visible beforehand.

FAQs

What does "it was not unexpected" mean?

The phrase "it was not unexpected" means that something happened as anticipated, without causing surprise. It suggests the outcome was predictable or foreseeable.

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

You can use "it was not unexpected" to preface a statement about an event that aligned with prior expectations. For example, "It was not unexpected that the company's stock price would fall after the negative earnings report".

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

You can use alternatives like "it was anticipated", "it was foreseeable", or "it came as no surprise" depending on the context.

Is "it was unexpected" the opposite of "it was not unexpected"?

Yes, "it was unexpected" is the direct opposite of "it was not unexpected". The former indicates surprise, while the latter indicates a lack of surprise because something was anticipated.