it was to be expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it was to be expected' is correct and is often used in written English.
It is typically used to a describe an event which was anticipated and thus unsurprising. For example, "It was to be expected that the team would struggle against the champions".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was to be expected.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was to be expected," she said.

The Guardian

Sooner or later it was to be expected".

The New York Times

"Not having played a lot, it was to be expected," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

A few friends hinted that it was to be expected, considering our age difference.

The New York Times

I've started hurdling this week and it was to be expected.

Independent

"It was to be expected," said Virginia Feinman, a 2003 graduate.

The New York Times - Sports

It was to be expected that the movie would be frightening.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is to be expected that more detailed information about its function will be available shortly.

BMC Genomics

"But it's to be expected.

The New York Times

Some of it is to be expected.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was to be expected" when you want to convey that an event or outcome was not surprising, given the preceding circumstances or known factors.

Common error

While "it was to be expected" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language that directly states the reasons for the lack of surprise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was to be expected" functions as a comment clause, indicating that a particular outcome or event was anticipated and not surprising. It serves to temper reactions and provide context based on prior information. Ludwig confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was to be expected" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that a particular outcome was not surprising. According to Ludwig, this phrase is often used in news articles, scientific papers, and academic texts. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and opt for more precise language in highly formal writing. By understanding its function and considering suitable alternatives, you can effectively use "it was to be expected" to convey a sense of predictability and lack of astonishment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was anticipated

Directly states that the event was expected.

it was foreseeable

Emphasizes the ability to predict the event beforehand.

it was predictable

Highlights the ease with which the event could be anticipated.

it was foreseen

Highlights the act of seeing the future event beforehand.

it came as no surprise

Focuses on the lack of astonishment caused by the event.

it wasn't unexpected

A more formal way of saying that the event was anticipated.

it was only a matter of time

Suggests the inevitability of the event.

it was bound to happen

Indicates that the event was unavoidable given the circumstances.

it stood to reason

Implies that the event was logical or rational.

it should have been expected

Emphasizes a failure to expect the event despite the logical reason.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was to be expected" to indicate that something was predictable or not surprising. For example, "Given the team's performance, it was to be expected that they would lose the game."

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

Alternatives include "it was foreseeable", "it was predictable", or "it came as no surprise", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it was to be expected" in formal writing?

Yes, "it was to be expected" is grammatically correct, but in very formal writing, you might choose a more sophisticated or direct alternative, depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "it was to be expected" and "it should have been expected"?

"It was to be expected" simply states that something was anticipated. "It should have been expected" implies a criticism or a failure to anticipate something that was reasonably predictable.