was long expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was long expected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been anticipated for a significant period of time. Example: "The announcement of the merger was long expected by industry analysts, who had been predicting it for months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The announcement was long expected.

The New York Times

Although Mandelblit's recommendation was long expected, the announcement rocked Israel on Thursday.

The Washington Post

Mr. Bush's selection of the well-known and charismatic general was long expected.

The New York Times

Williams's death at 83 was long expected, but when it happened, the Boston Globe put out an extra edition.

The Washington Post

Luxturna was long expected to be the first gene therapy to reach the market in the U.S.

MIT Technology Review

Together in Mr Zonca's film, they meet, quarrel and play against each other with great zest.Their prize was long expected.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Instagram's announcement has been long expected.

Independent

Yesterday's suit had been long expected.

The Guardian - Business

One reason is that the charges were long expected.

The New Yorker

Dnipro's emergence as a genuine force has been long expected.

The Guardian - Sport

Policy changes have been long expected by passengers, increasingly frustrated by rules seen as outdated in a tech-driven world.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "was long expected" with contextual details to explain the reasons behind the anticipation, strengthening the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "was long expected" to describe events that occurred suddenly and without prior indication, as this creates a contradictory statement that can confuse readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was long expected" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun or clause to indicate that an event or outcome had been anticipated for a considerable period. As Ludwig AI shows, this often prefaces news or announcements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was long expected" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey that an event or outcome had been anticipated for a considerable period. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news and analytical contexts. The phrase is frequently used in news and media, as well as formal business settings, with its register being generally neutral.

Alternatives like "had been anticipated" and "came as no surprise" offer similar meanings, but "was long expected" specifically emphasizes the extended duration of the anticipation. Effective usage involves providing context to explain why the event was anticipated, while misuse can occur if applied to sudden, unforeseen events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had been anticipated

This alternative uses a different verb tense and emphasizes the duration of the anticipation.

was foreseeable

This option directly implies that the event could have been predicted in advance.

was anticipated for some time

It emphasizes the duration of anticipation and uses a more descriptive phrasing.

came as no surprise

This phrase focuses on the lack of surprise, suggesting the event was expected.

was predictable

Focuses on the predictability of the event.

had been foreseen

This version uses a more formal verb, 'foreseen', indicating foresight.

was to be expected

Highlights that the event aligned with what was considered normal or typical.

was practically certain

Emphasizes a high degree of confidence in the event's occurrence.

was widely anticipated

Highlights the broad awareness and expectation of the event.

was an eventuality

Presents the event as something certain to happen eventually.

FAQs

What does "was long expected" mean?

The phrase "was long expected" means that something was anticipated or predicted to happen for a significant period of time. It suggests that there were indicators or expectations that led people to believe the event would occur.

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

You can use "was long expected" to describe an event, decision, or outcome. For instance, "The company's bankruptcy "was long expected" due to its declining profits".

What can I say instead of "was long expected"?

You can use alternatives like "had been anticipated", "came as no surprise", or "was foreseeable" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "was long expected" in formal writing?

Yes, "was long expected" is suitable for formal writing, especially in news articles, reports, and analytical pieces where describing anticipated events is necessary. The register can vary from neutral to formal depending on the surrounding vocabulary and context.