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that's to be expected
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Alternative expressions(8)

it comes as no surprise

it was foreseeable

it is anticipated

it's not surprising

it was bound to happen

it is only natural

it stands to reason

it was anticipated

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Meanwhile, there was the blizzard of unconfirmed information that's to be expected in such a situation.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Of course, a writer's reputation changes over the years — that's to be expected.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"But that's to be expected".

News & Media

The New York Times - Sports

I supose that's to be expected.

News & Media

The Economist

Maybe that's to be expected.

News & Media

The Guardian

"Some rust, but that's to be expected.

News & Media

The New York Times - Sports

But you know, that's to be expected.

News & Media

The Guardian - Sport

Given all the stifling preachiness, that's to be expected.

News & Media

The New York Times

That's to be expected of a sleek two-door.

News & Media

The New York Times

But, sadly, all of that's to be expected.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But he added that the latest issue was something that was to be expected with new technology.

News & Media

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that's to be expected" to acknowledge an outcome or situation that aligns with prior knowledge or reasonable assumptions, providing context without expressing excessive surprise or concern.

Common error

Avoid using "that's to be expected" in highly formal or professional writing where a more precise or sophisticated phrase might be more appropriate. Instead, opt for alternatives like "it was anticipated" or "it is not surprising".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that's to be expected" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a preceding statement or situation by expressing a lack of surprise or emphasizing predictability. As Ludwig AI shows, it often follows an observation or a statement of fact, tempering any potential negative interpretation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "that's to be expected" is a commonly used expression to indicate that a particular outcome or situation is not surprising and aligns with prior expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase functions as an adverbial modifier, adding context and tempering potential negative interpretations. It is grammatically sound and particularly prevalent in News & Media sources, suggesting a neutral register. Alternatives include phrases like "it comes as no surprise" and "it was foreseeable". Overall, understanding the appropriate context and register is crucial for effectively incorporating "that's to be expected" in writing.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's not surprising

A more direct statement of the lack of surprise.

it's to be anticipated

Similar to the original, but slightly more formal.

it comes as no surprise

Stresses the lack of astonishment at the event.

it was bound to happen

Implies inevitability.

it's what one would expect

Highlights the alignment with typical expectations.

it is anticipated

Emphasizes a formal expectation.

it was foreseeable

Highlights the ability to see the event coming in advance.

it's only natural

Suggests the event is a normal or logical consequence.

it's par for the course

Indicates that the event is typical or normal in a given situation.

it's all part of the plan

Indicates that the event was premeditated or foreseen as part of a larger strategy.

FAQs

How can I use "that's to be expected" in a sentence?

You can use "that's to be expected" to indicate that something is not surprising or is in line with what was anticipated. For example, "Some delays are inevitable, but "that's to be expected" with such a large project".

What does "that's to be expected" mean?

"That's to be expected" means that something is not surprising because it was likely to happen or is a common occurrence in a particular situation.

Which is correct: "that's to be expected" or "that is to be expected"?

Both "that's to be expected" and "that is to be expected" are grammatically correct. The former is a contraction and more informal, while the latter is more formal. Choose based on the context of your writing.

What are some alternatives to using "that's to be expected"?

Alternatives to "that's to be expected" include "it comes as no surprise", "it was foreseeable", or "it is anticipated", depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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that's to be expectedGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

that's to be expected
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples