reasonable expectation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonable expectation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal, professional, or everyday contexts to refer to what a person might logically anticipate or assume in a given situation. Example: "In a professional setting, employees have a reasonable expectation of privacy when using company resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's a reasonable expectation".

The New York Times

Isn't that the reasonable expectation?

The Guardian - Books

I think that's a reasonable expectation.

The Guardian

Dr. Baldwin replied, "I think that is a reasonable expectation".

The New York Times

"Workplace literacy should be a reasonable expectation," he said.

The New York Times

Back in 2015, this might have been a reasonable expectation.

The New Yorker

Thus, Knights’s reasonable expectation of privacy was significantly diminished.

Cornell University

There is a reasonable expectation this will be done quickly".

Independent

"Today's punishment, however, far exceeded any reasonable expectation.

The Guardian - Sport

That's just a reasonable expectation of a parent.

Independent

"We don't think that's a reasonable expectation of a date".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In business contexts, use "reasonable expectation" to set realistic goals and avoid overpromising to clients or stakeholders.

Common error

Avoid setting expectations based on optimism alone. Ensure your "reasonable expectation" is grounded in evidence and realistic assessments, not just what you hope will happen.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable expectation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a belief or assumption about what is likely to occur or what is justifiable in a given situation. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasonable expectation" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a justifiable anticipation or assumption. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across news, academic, and business contexts. It emphasizes the importance of establishing clear and realistic understandings. The related phrases such as "justifiable anticipation" and "realistic outlook" offer nuanced alternatives, while it's crucial to distinguish "reasonable expectation" from mere wishful thinking. Ludwig provides numerous examples that underscore the phrase's versatility and importance in both legal and everyday discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

justifiable anticipation

Emphasizes the defensible nature of the anticipation.

legitimate anticipation

Highlights the lawfulness and permissibility of the anticipation.

realistic hope

Focuses on the achievability and practicality of the hope.

fair prospect

Stresses impartiality and justice in the potential outcome.

logical assumption

Underscores the rational and reasoned nature of the assumption.

sensible anticipation

Emphasizes the wisdom and practicality of the anticipation.

realistic outlook

Focuses on assessing a situation or predicting future outcomes in a practical way.

warranted anticipation

Highlights the necessity or justification for the anticipation.

prudent expectation

Implies careful consideration and foresight in forming the expectation.

valid presumption

Suggests that the assumption is well-founded and legally sound.

FAQs

How is "reasonable expectation" used in legal contexts?

In law, "reasonable expectation" often pertains to privacy rights. For example, individuals have a "reasonable expectation" of privacy in their homes, influencing search and seizure laws.

What's the difference between "realistic hope" and "reasonable expectation"?

"Reasonable expectation" implies a grounded assessment based on facts, while "realistic hope" suggests a desire with some basis in reality, but possibly less certainty.

When is it appropriate to use "reasonable expectation" in a business setting?

It's appropriate when setting project timelines, forecasting sales, or outlining deliverables. Ensuring a "reasonable expectation" helps manage client relations and avoid misunderstandings.

What are some alternatives to "reasonable expectation"?

Alternatives include "justifiable anticipation", "logical assumption", or "realistic outlook", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.