may be expected

USAGE SUMMARY

'may be expected' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mention a likely result or outcome of a situation. For example: Since the taxes have been increased, a drop in consumption may be expected.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Emotional damage may be expected too.

The New Yorker

The average is around three wives and they may be expected to coexist and cohabit.

The Guardian - Travel

Vermont, which already allows for civil unions, may be expected to embrace Canadian marriages.

The New York Times

Good times may be expected on all fronts… Let them roll.

The New Yorker

Over time, advocates may be expected to progress up the ladder.

The Guardian

As a consequence different behaviours may be expected.

Electrochimica Acta

This may be expected with this type of fixation [17].

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Results may be expected 1-2 years from now.

Annals of Intensive Care

These findings may be expected for several reasons.

Health & Justice

Study of the resulting fields gives insight into the general behaviour which may be expected.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Peculiar properties such as associative behaviour may be expected due to their original functionalization.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be expected" to introduce potential outcomes or results that are reasonably predictable based on current information or trends. For instance, "With increased investment in renewable energy, a reduction in carbon emissions may be expected."

Common error

Avoid using "may be expected" when a higher degree of certainty is warranted. Opt for phrases like "will occur" or "is certain to happen" if the outcome is definite.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be expected" functions as a modal verb phrase, used to express a degree of probability or expectation regarding a future event or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something is reasonably likely to occur based on existing circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be expected" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express a reasonable expectation of a future event or outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and broad applicability make it a valuable tool in both formal and informal writing. It's prevalent in scientific, news, and business contexts, indicating its suitability for professional communication. While numerous alternatives exist to convey similar meanings, it's important to use "may be expected" when the degree of certainty aligns with the evidence available. Remember, while outcomes "may be expected", stating them as definite without supporting evidence could lead to misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is to be expected

Implies that an outcome is not only possible but also reasonable or justified given the circumstances.

is anticipated

A more formal alternative, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

can be anticipated

Indicates a slightly higher degree of certainty compared to "may be expected".

is likely to happen

More direct and less formal than "may be expected".

is projected

Often used when referring to forecasts or data-driven predictions.

could be foreseen

Emphasizes the ability to predict an outcome in advance.

is predictable

Highlights the predictability of the event or outcome.

it is foreseeable

Highlights the capacity to see or know something in advance.

one can anticipate

This alternative emphasizes the possibility of anticipation by an individual.

expectations are

Shifts the focus to collective or general expectations regarding an event or result.

FAQs

How can I use "may be expected" in a sentence?

"May be expected" is used to express an anticipated outcome. For instance, "If the weather remains sunny, a large turnout at the beach "is to be expected"".

What's a less formal way to say "may be expected"?

Less formal alternatives include phrases like "is likely to happen" or "can be anticipated". For example, "The game "is likely to happen" despite the rain."

Is "may be expected" the same as "should be expected"?

While similar, "may be expected" suggests a possibility based on current conditions, while "should be expected" implies a moral or logical obligation. "The package "should be expected" tomorrow" suggests it ought to arrive then based on shipping times.

What can I say instead of "may be expected" in a scientific paper?

In scientific writing, consider using "is anticipated", "is predicted", or "can be foreseen". For example, "A correlation between these two variables "is anticipated"."