not unexpected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not unexpected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was anticipated or foreseen, even if it was not explicitly expected. Example: "The team's loss in the championship game was not unexpected given their recent performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is not unexpected.

The Economist

That was not unexpected.

The New York Times

The award was not unexpected.

The New York Times

The move was not unexpected.

The New York Times

So this is not unexpected.

The New York Times

His retirement was not unexpected.

The New York Times

It was not unexpected.

The New York Times

But it's not unexpected.

The Guardian

Yet it was not unexpected.

The Economist

The finding was not unexpected.

The New York Times - Health

The arrest was not unexpected.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not unexpected" to convey a sense of foreknowledge or anticipation, especially when downplaying surprise at an event or outcome. This helps manage expectations and provides context.

Common error

Avoid stacking negative phrases, as this can obscure your meaning. Instead of saying "it was not not unexpected", opt for a positive expression like "it was anticipated".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not unexpected" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something that was anticipated or foreseen. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is both grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. It is often used to temper surprise or to provide a sense of inevitability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not unexpected" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that indicates a lack of surprise due to prior anticipation or predictability. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its appropriateness across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and scientific writing. To ensure clarity, avoid overuse and be mindful of the subtle nuances it conveys, like downplaying the surprise for some event or outcome. By considering these guidelines, you can effectively and appropriately use "not unexpected" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unsurprising

A shorter, more direct synonym focusing on the lack of astonishment.

To be expected

Directly implies anticipation and preparedness for the event.

Not entirely surprising

Adds a nuance by suggesting a small degree of surprise might still be present.

Somewhat anticipated

Replaces the negative phrasing with a positive assertion of anticipation, slightly softening the tone.

Fairly predictable

Focuses on the predictability aspect rather than the lack of surprise, offering a more direct alternative.

Foreseeable

A more concise term that suggests the event was capable of being predicted.

Easily foreseen

Highlights the ease with which the event could have been predicted.

Consistent with expectations

Highlights how the outcome aligned with previously held beliefs or predictions.

Almost inevitable

Suggests a higher degree of certainty about the outcome.

Within the realm of possibility

Shifts the emphasis to the possibility of the event occurring, implying it was considered beforehand.

FAQs

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

You can use "not unexpected" to describe an event or outcome that was anticipated or foreseen. For example: "The team's loss was "not unexpected" given their recent performance."

What are some alternatives to saying "not unexpected"?

Alternatives include "unsurprising", "predictable", or "anticipated", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "unexpected" or "not unexpected"?

The choice depends on what you want to emphasize. "Unexpected" highlights surprise, while "not unexpected" suggests a lack of surprise and perhaps some degree of anticipation.

What does it mean when something is described as "not unexpected"?

It means the event or outcome was foreseen or anticipated to some extent, reducing or eliminating any element of surprise.