to be expected

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be expected" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is likely or inevitable. For example: - It was to be expected that the company would face financial difficulties after their major investor pulled out. - The traffic was heavy during rush hour, as is to be expected. - I'm afraid some criticism comes with the territory, it's to be expected when you're in the public eye.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To be expected, right?

The New York Times

All to be expected.

The Economist

"But it's to be expected.

The New York Times

It was to be expected.

The New York Times - Sports

"But that's to be expected".

The New York Times - Sports

That was to be expected.

The New York Times

Fluctuations are to be expected.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This was to be expected.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps this is to be expected.

The New York Times - Arts

I supose that's to be expected.

The Economist

So some defaults are to be expected.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be expected" when you want to convey that a certain outcome or situation is not surprising given the circumstances. It's useful for setting expectations or explaining why something happened.

Common error

While "to be expected" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing where more sophisticated synonyms like "predictable" or "anticipated" might be more appropriate. Choose the synonym that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be expected" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is predictable or not surprising. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be expected" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something is predictable or unsurprising. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, writers should consider the formality of the context and choose more sophisticated synonyms if necessary. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "to be expected" to set expectations and provide explanations in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not surprising

A more direct and less formal way of expressing the same sentiment.

Unsurprising

Similar to "not surprising" but slightly more formal.

Predictable

Implies a high degree of certainty and foreseeability, differing in its directness.

Anticipated

Focuses on the act of looking forward to something, shifting the emphasis slightly.

Could be predicted

Similar in meaning, but uses a passive voice construction and adds a sense of possibility.

Foreseeable

Highlights the ability to see something in advance, adding a layer of foresight.

Only natural

Suggests that something is a logical and inevitable outcome, implying a sense of rightness.

Par for the course

Implies that something is typical or normal in a given situation, adding an idiomatic flavor.

As usual

Focuses on the habitual nature of something, making it less about prediction and more about routine.

Within the realm of possibility

Indicates the possibility of occurrence, but it is an indirect manner.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be expected" to indicate that something is not surprising or is a normal occurrence. For example, "Delays are "to be expected" during the holiday season."

What phrases are similar to "to be expected"?

Similar phrases include "predictable", "anticipated", "unsurprising", or "not surprising". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it always appropriate to use "to be expected" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "to be expected" may be considered too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "foreseeable" or "anticipated" for a more elevated tone.

What's the difference between "to be expected" and "should be expected"?

"To be expected" implies something is likely or inevitable based on current conditions, while "should be expected" suggests something is desired or morally right to expect, differing in connotation and usage.