was not unexpected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not unexpected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an event or outcome was anticipated or foreseen, often in a context where one is discussing reactions to news or developments. Example: "The announcement of the merger was not unexpected, given the recent market trends and discussions between the two companies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That was not unexpected.

The New York Times

It was not unexpected.

The Washington Post

The award was not unexpected.

The New York Times

The move was not unexpected.

The New York Times

His retirement was not unexpected.

The New York Times

Yet it was not unexpected.

The Economist

The finding was not unexpected.

The New York Times - Health

The arrest was not unexpected.

The New York Times

The drop was not unexpected.

The New York Times

The announcement was not unexpected.

The New York Times

Honda's announcement was not unexpected.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was not unexpected" to smoothly integrate a known or predictable outcome into your narrative, avoiding abrupt shifts in tone or information.

Common error

Avoid using "was not unexpected" excessively in formal reports or academic papers; opt for stronger, more concise alternatives like "was anticipated" or "was predictable" for a more impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not unexpected" functions as a commentary phrase, typically following a statement of fact or event. It indicates that the preceding event aligned with prior expectations. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage, confirming its role in conveying a lack of surprise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was not unexpected" is a versatile phrase used to convey that an event or outcome aligned with prior expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and scientific domains. While appropriate for both formal and informal communication, opting for alternatives like "was anticipated" or "came as no surprise" can enhance clarity and impact, depending on the writing style. However, overuse of "was not unexpected" should be avoided in formal writing. This phrase serves as a valuable tool in signaling predictability, adding depth and nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

came as no surprise

Replaces "was not unexpected" with a more concise and direct expression of the same sentiment.

was anticipated

Uses a single verb to replace the original phrase, simplifying the sentence structure.

was foreseeable

Similar to "was anticipated" but emphasizes the ability to predict the outcome in advance.

didn't come as a shock

Emphasizes the lack of surprise in a more informal tone.

was predictable

Focuses on the ease with which the outcome could have been predicted.

was to be expected

Indicates that the outcome was a logical or natural consequence of preceding events.

should have been expected

Adds a nuance of obligation or inevitability to the anticipation.

was hardly surprising

Uses understatement to convey the lack of surprise.

no one was surprised

Shifts the focus to the reaction of people, emphasizing the general lack of surprise.

was practically certain

Indicates a high degree of confidence in the outcome before it occurred.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was not unexpected" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "was anticipated", "was foreseeable", or "was predictable". These options provide a similar meaning with a slightly more elevated register.

What's a more casual way to say "was not unexpected"?

In casual contexts, you could say "came as no surprise", "didn't come as a shock", or "was to be expected". These alternatives maintain the meaning but use more informal language.

Is there a difference between "was not unexpected" and "was unexpected"?

"Was not unexpected" means that something was anticipated or foreseen. "Was unexpected" means it was surprising or not anticipated. They are opposites.

How to use "was not unexpected" in a sentence?

Use "was not unexpected" to indicate that a particular event or outcome had been anticipated or foreseen. For example, "The company's decline in profits "was not unexpected", given the increased competition in the market."