the expectation was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the expectation was" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing what was anticipated or believed to happen in a particular situation. Example: "The expectation was that the project would be completed by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The expectation was still there.

The New York Times

The expectation was that it could be resolved promptly.

The Guardian

The expectation was that Hoggard's exile would be temporary.

The New York Times - Sports

The expectation was, to put it mildly, unmet.

The Guardian - Opinion

The expectation was this was going to be a seamless transition process".

The New York Times

The expectation was then that the new leader himself would fall apart at the podium.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The expectation was there we could get over the line, the supporters were incredible.

The Guardian - Sport

The expectation was that none of 2008 TC3 survived the passage through the atmosphere.

The New York Times - Science

Worth noting that the expectation was for 200,000 extra jobs.

The Guardian - Business

My father was an engineer, and the expectation was that I'd follow in his footsteps.

The New York Times

The expectation was that the temperature would be about minus-330 degrees Fahrenheit.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the expectation was", clearly state what the expectation referred to and provide context for why it was held.

Common error

Avoid using "the expectation was" without specifying whose expectation you are referring to, as this can lead to ambiguity. Always clarify the source or holder of the expectation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the expectation was" functions as a declarative statement introducing a belief, anticipation, or prediction about a past, present, or future event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to express what was generally thought to be the likely outcome or state of affairs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the expectation was" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to express a prior belief or anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, indicates its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the subject or source of the expectation. While "the expectation was" is often succeeded by "that", you can also modify it to describe feelings. This is often suitable for describing the anticipation of a future outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was expected that

Replaces the noun "expectation" with the verb "expected", changing the sentence structure slightly.

it was anticipated that

Substitutes "expectation" with "anticipated", focusing on the aspect of foreseeing something.

the assumption was

Emphasizes that something was taken for granted or presumed to be true.

it was presupposed that

Highlights a pre-existing belief or condition that was assumed before any evidence.

the understanding was

Focuses on a mutual agreement or shared knowledge regarding a future event or condition.

it was believed that

Shifts the focus to a general belief held by people, rather than a formal expectation.

the plan was

Indicates a pre-arranged course of action or strategy that was in place.

the intention was

Highlights the purpose or goal that someone had in mind.

the forecast was

Emphasizes a prediction based on available information or data.

the hope was

Expresses a desire or wish for a particular outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "the expectation was" in a sentence?

Use "the expectation was" to describe a belief or anticipation about a future event or outcome. For example, "The expectation was that the project would be completed on time".

What's a more formal alternative to "the expectation was"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "it was anticipated that" or "it was assumed that". These phrases convey a similar meaning with a slightly more elevated register.

Is it always necessary to specify whose expectation it was when using "the expectation was"?

While not always strictly necessary, specifying the source of the expectation enhances clarity. If the context makes it obvious, it may be omitted, but explicitness is generally preferred.

Can I use "the expectation was" to describe something that did not happen?

Yes, "the expectation was" can be used to describe an anticipation that was not met. For example, "The expectation was unmet when the company failed to reach its sales goals".