this is to be expected

USAGE SUMMARY

"this is to be expected" is a perfectly correct and usable sentence in written English.
It is often used to express a sentiment of understanding and acceptance towards an outcome. For example, you could say "The company's annual profits have decreased this year; this is to be expected in times of economic uncertainty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Perhaps this is to be expected.

The New York Times - Arts

So this is to be expected.

The New York Times

This is to be expected.

Cornell University

This is to be expected, says Wells.

Harvard University

Some of this is to be expected.

The New York Times - Sports

This is to be expected from Trump.

The Washington Post

This is to be expected in our situation.

Stanford University

"When that doesn't happen, this is to be expected".

The Guardian - Sport

"But this is to be expected from the Americans".

The New York Times

This is to be expected, because the games are different.

The Washington Post

This is to be expected with any new law.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is to be expected" when you want to convey understanding and acceptance of a situation, particularly when it aligns with prior knowledge or logical reasoning. It softens potential disappointment or surprise.

Common error

While "this is to be expected" is versatile, avoid overusing it in excessively formal writing, such as academic papers or high-level business reports. In such cases, consider alternatives like "it was anticipated" or "it stands to reason" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is to be expected" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a preceding statement or situation. It indicates that the situation is not surprising or unusual. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it serves to temper reactions to events, as reinforced by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

29%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is to be expected" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey acceptance and a lack of surprise towards an outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct and it finds frequent application across diverse sources, including news media, scientific literature, and academic publications. While generally neutral in tone, writers should consider the context and audience, potentially opting for more formal synonyms in highly professional or academic settings. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its widespread usage and diverse applications. Remember to use it to temper reactions and expectations, and to soften the impact of potentially negative news.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was anticipated

Directly states that the event was foreseen.

that's not surprising

Emphasizes lack of surprise at the outcome.

it comes as no surprise

Similar to "that's not surprising", but slightly more formal.

it was bound to happen

Highlights the inevitability of the event.

it's only natural

Suggests the outcome is a normal or logical consequence.

it stands to reason

Highlights the logical basis for expecting the outcome.

that was predictable

Focuses on the ability to foresee the event.

par for the course

Suggests the outcome is typical or expected in a given situation.

it figures

Informal expression indicating acceptance of an outcome, often with a hint of resignation.

such is life

Expresses a philosophical acceptance of the outcome, implying that disappointments or challenges are unavoidable.

FAQs

What does "this is to be expected" mean?

It means that a particular outcome or situation was anticipated or considered likely, and therefore does not come as a surprise. It conveys a sense of understanding and acceptance.

How can I use "this is to be expected" in a sentence?

You can use it to explain why something that happened wasn't surprising. For example: "Given the economic downturn, the company's decreased profits are not shocking; "this is to be expected"".

What can I say instead of "this is to be expected"?

You can use alternatives like "it was anticipated", "that was predictable", or "it comes as no surprise" depending on the context.

Is "this is to be expected" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both professional and informal settings. However, very formal writing may benefit from using synonyms like "it was anticipated" or "it stands to reason".