not expected

USAGE SUMMARY

"not expected" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express that something was not anticipated or foreseen. For example, "The out come of the election was not expected by most analysts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Not expected".

The New Yorker

Jokes were not expected.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Expects," not "expected".

The New York Times

"You're not expected".

The New Yorker

— She had not expected this.

The New York Times

It's simply not expected.

The Guardian - Opinion

That was not expected.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It ultimately is not expected to pass.

The New York Times

Performance venues are not expected until 2017.

The New York Times

A verdict is not expected until October.

The New York Times

He was not expected to live.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where something did not happen as predicted, use "not expected" to convey a sense of surprise or deviation from the norm.

Common error

While versatile, "not expected" can sometimes sound informal. In highly formal or academic writing, consider stronger alternatives like "unanticipated" or "unforeseen" to maintain a more elevated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not expected" functions as a predicative adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something that was not anticipated or foreseen. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently encountered in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not expected" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a lack of anticipation or prediction. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread application. While suitable for many contexts, more formal alternatives like "unanticipated" or "unforeseen" might be preferred in academic or professional settings. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it appears most commonly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science sources. Understanding its nuances and considering context-appropriate alternatives will enhance your writing precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was not anticipated

Rephrases the original phrase using a different verb form.

was not predicted

Focuses on the lack of prediction rather than expectation.

unanticipated

Uses a single adjective to convey the lack of expectation.

unforeseen

Highlights the unexpected nature of an event or situation.

came as a surprise

Emphasizes the element of surprise associated with the event.

contrary to expectations

Indicates a direct opposition to what was thought likely.

defied expectations

Suggests a challenge or subversion of anticipated outcomes.

took everyone by surprise

Emphasizes the broad impact of the unexpected event.

against all odds

Highlights the improbability of the event occurring.

was beyond expectation

Indicates that something exceeded what was anticipated.

FAQs

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

You can use "not expected" to indicate that something was unforeseen or unlikely. For example, "The outcome was "not expected" by the analysts".

What can I say instead of "not expected"?

You can use alternatives like "unanticipated", "unforeseen", or "came as a surprise" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "not expected" or "unexpected"?

"Not expected" and "unexpected" are both correct but have slightly different nuances. "Unexpected" typically describes something that simply occurred without anticipation, while "not expected" can imply a deviation from a predicted or assumed course.

Is it better to say "was not expected" or "was unanticipated"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "was unanticipated" is generally considered more formal. Use "was unanticipated" in academic or professional writing where a more elevated tone is preferred over the more common "was "not expected"".