was expected

USAGE SUMMARY

"was expected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an event that was anticipated, or to explain why someone did something. For example, "The rain was expected, so he brought an umbrella".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

All this was expected.

The Economist

That was expected, however.

The Economist

The outcome was expected.

The New York Times

The filing was expected.

The New York Times

The judgment was expected.

The New York Times

Tuesday's vote was expected.

The New York Times

Not much was expected.

The New York Times - Sports

This w was expected.

The New Yorker

This was expected.

The Economist

Surgery was expected.

The New York Times

Their triumph was expected.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was expected" to set the stage for further information, indicating that the reader should not be surprised by what follows. This helps create a smooth and logical flow in your writing.

Common error

While "was expected" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated language might be preferable. Alternatives like "was anticipated" or "was predicted" can add nuance and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was expected" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that an event, outcome, or situation was anticipated or predicted by someone. This implies a prior understanding or knowledge about the likelihood of something happening. The correctness of the phrase is also endorsed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was expected" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that an event or outcome was anticipated. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's predominantly found in news and media contexts, serving to provide context and indicate a lack of surprise. While versatile, it's important to consider the register and opt for more formal alternatives like "was anticipated" in certain academic or professional settings. By avoiding overuse and understanding its nuances, you can effectively incorporate "was expected" into your writing for clear and concise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was anticipated

Substitutes a synonym of 'expected', maintaining a formal tone and conveying a sense of foreknowledge.

was to be expected

Adds a slight air of inevitability, suggesting that the event was almost unavoidable given the circumstances.

came as no surprise

Shifts the focus to the lack of surprise, emphasizing the predictability of the event.

was foreseeable

Highlights the ability to predict the event, suggesting a clear line of reasoning leading to the outcome.

was almost certain

Focuses on the high degree of certainty surrounding the event before it occurred.

was predictable

Similar to 'foreseeable', but with a stronger emphasis on the inherent qualities of the situation making it easy to predict.

should have been expected

Introduces an element of mild reproach, implying that someone should have foreseen the event.

was bound to happen

Emphasizes the inevitability of the event, suggesting a strong likelihood regardless of external factors.

was only a matter of time

Highlights the protracted or impending nature of the event, suggesting it was inevitable in the long run.

was in the cards

Uses an idiom to imply that the event was predetermined or destined to happen.

FAQs

How can I use "was expected" in a sentence?

You can use "was expected" to indicate that an event or outcome was anticipated or predicted. For example, "The delay "was expected" due to the ongoing negotiations".

What's the difference between "was expected" and "was anticipated"?

"Was expected" and "was anticipated" are very similar, but "was anticipated" might imply a more formal or careful consideration beforehand. You could use alternatives like "was predicted" or "was foreseen" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "was expected" or "is expected"?

Both "was expected" and "is expected" are correct, but they refer to different time frames. "Was expected" refers to something that was anticipated in the past, while "is expected" refers to something that is currently anticipated or predicted.

What are some alternatives to "was expected" for adding variety to my writing?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you could use phrases like "came as no surprise", "was predictable", or "was to be expected".