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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
this may be expected to
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "this may be expected to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing predictions or anticipated outcomes in various contexts, such as reports or analyses. Example: "Based on the current trends, this may be expected to lead to significant changes in the market."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
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
10 human-written examples
This may be expected to increase the scope and rate of information dissemination.
Science
This may be expected to follow rapidly, given the fugitive characteristic of fast turnover.
Science
This may be expected to increase FRET by raising the effective absorption of the acceptor, albeit at the cost of increased construct size.
Science
However, this may be expected to dilute the effect of any risk factors towards the null.
Science
This may be expected to lead to an overestimation of the direct costs.
Whilst this may be expected to affect the level of consent, it may also affect patterns of consent.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
50 human-written examples
Even the most stolid traveller who enters this region may be expected to feel some curiosity regarding the origin of the scenery and the history of the rocks which meet his eyes.
Science & Research
While this model may be expected to be valid for moderate agent concentrations, high local concentrations of one or both of the contrast agents could result in deviations from the linear model as the agents compete for interactions with the surrounding water molecules.
Science & Research
In practice, this limit may be expected to be approached at high temperature/low gas adsorbability but the crux of the matter is (i) choice of the right transport parameter (in this case the "reduced permeability") to provide a useful criterion of approach to the Knudsen limit and (ii) thorough study of the course followed by the said parameter in its approach to the said limit.
Science
Instead, a revision of the EU model to account for the data presented in this study may be expected to show considerable effects.
This decrease may be expected to be all the more strongly expressed in a mixture of soil and sand (as was the case under ambient conditions) than in pure soil, due to weaker buffering capacity of the mixture.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "this may be expected to" when you want to express a reasonable expectation based on current knowledge or trends, but without stating it as a certainty. It's suitable for academic or formal writing.
Common error
Avoid using "this may be expected to" when the outcome is highly certain or already confirmed. In such cases, use stronger phrases like "this will" or "this is known to."
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "this may be expected to" functions as a modal construction, expressing a degree of probability or anticipation regarding a future event or outcome. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase indicates a reasonable expectation based on present circumstances.
Frequent in
Science
90%
Academia
5%
News & Media
2%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
1%
Wiki
1%
Formal & Business
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "this may be expected to" serves as a cautious yet predictive tool, primarily utilized within the scientific and academic domains. As Ludwig AI highlights, it indicates a reasonable expectation, stopping short of absolute certainty. When writing, be mindful of the fine line between expectation and certainty; alternatives like "this is likely to" or "this can be anticipated to" can fine-tune the level of assurance you wish to convey. While grammatically sound, as Ludwig confirms, overusing this phrase in contexts demanding stronger assertions can dilute your message. Therefore, strategically deploy "this may be expected to" where reasoned anticipation, rather than assured prediction, is most appropriate.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
this can be anticipated to
Replaces "may be expected to" with "can be anticipated to", suggesting a slightly stronger degree of certainty or predictability.
this is likely to
Substitutes the modal verb construction with "is likely to", indicating a high probability.
this is anticipated to
Removes "may be" for a more concise statement of anticipation.
it is plausible that this will
Replaces the phrase with a clause expressing plausibility, indicating something is believable or possible.
one might anticipate this to
Uses a more formal tone and introduces a degree of subjectivity ('one might anticipate').
this could reasonably be expected to
Adds "reasonably" to emphasize the justification for the expectation.
this is presumed to
Replaces "may be expected" with "is presumed", suggesting a belief based on some evidence but without absolute proof.
this is projected to
Specifically indicates a forecast or prediction, often based on data or models.
it is foreseeable that this will
Indicates that something can be foreseen or predicted based on current knowledge.
we anticipate this will
Shifts the perspective to a first-person plural, indicating the speaker's anticipation.
FAQs
How can I use "this may be expected to" in a sentence?
The phrase "this may be expected to" is used to indicate a likely outcome based on existing information or trends. For example, "Given the current economic climate, this may be expected to lead to higher unemployment rates."
What are some alternatives to "this may be expected to"?
You can use alternatives like "this can be anticipated to", "this is likely to", or "this is anticipated to" depending on the context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.
Is "this may be expected to" formal or informal?
The phrase "this may be expected to" is generally considered formal and is suitable for academic, scientific, or professional writing. It is less common in informal conversation.
What's the difference between "this may be expected to" and "this will"?
"This may be expected to" suggests a reasonable expectation but doesn't guarantee the outcome. "This will", on the other hand, indicates a higher degree of certainty and suggests that the outcome is inevitable.
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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
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested