might be expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might be expected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a possibility or likelihood of something occurring based on certain conditions or prior knowledge. Example: "Given the current economic climate, a decrease in consumer spending might be expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

That might be expected.

Independent

As, indeed, might be expected.

The Economist

But that might be expected.

The Guardian - Tech

Eagles abound, as might be expected.

The New York Times - Arts

But an oil boom might be expected to alleviate poverty.

The New York Times - Magazine

Environmentalists might be expected to celebrate the scheme.

The New York Times

Of course, a newspaperman might be expected to say that.

The New York Times

Elsewhere in the workforce, Thatcherism did what might be expected.

The Guardian

As might be expected, she never comes back.

The New Yorker

Behavior and anatomy, as might be expected, are closely allied.

The New York Times - Science

The United States might be expected to help Israel.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might be expected" to frame events or outcomes that are reasonably predictable based on current circumstances or established patterns. This helps set reader expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "might be expected" excessively in very formal or academic writing. Opt for stronger, more direct language to convey certainty or well-supported predictions. For example, replace it with phrases like "is likely" or "is predicted".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be expected" functions as a modal construction expressing a degree of probability or likelihood. It is typically used to indicate that something is reasonably predictable based on existing conditions or prior knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might be expected" is a versatile phrase used to express a reasonable expectation or likelihood, primarily within news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness. While considered neutral to formal in register, it’s advisable to use stronger, more direct language in strictly formal writing, as overuse can make the writing appear passive. The phrase is frequently found in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Economist, confirming its widespread acceptance and utility in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be anticipated

Emphasizes anticipation as a future possibility, instead of expectation.

could be foreseen

Highlights the ability to see or predict something in advance, rather than expecting it.

may be anticipated

Uses "may" to suggest a possibility, with "anticipated" focusing on advance prediction.

can be predicted

Indicates a strong likelihood based on available information, replacing expectation with prediction.

is likely to happen

Directly states the probability of an event occurring, instead of implying expectation.

is reasonable to assume

Focuses on the logic behind the expectation, emphasizing the assumption.

is within the realm of possibility

Broader, suggesting that something is merely possible, not necessarily expected.

is a distinct possibility

Highlights that an event is clearly possible, removing the sense of expectation.

is not out of the question

Implies that something is possible despite potential doubts, rather than being expected.

is something to look forward to

Shifts the focus to positive anticipation or excitement, not just expectation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "might be expected" is used to indicate something that is likely or probable given certain circumstances. For example: "Given the economic downturn, a decrease in sales "might be expected"."

What are some alternatives to "might be expected"?

Alternatives include phrases like "could be anticipated", "may be predicted", or "is likely" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "might be expected" formal or informal?

The phrase "might be expected" is generally considered neutral to formal. It's suitable for both news articles and academic papers, but might be perceived as too passive for very informal contexts.

What's the difference between "might be expected" and "should be expected"?

"Might be expected" suggests a possibility or likelihood based on current conditions, whereas "should be expected" implies a stronger sense of obligation or normative expectation. For instance, a team might be expected to lose based on their record, but they should be expected to give their best effort.