was to be expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was to be expected" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express the fact that a certain result or outcome can be predicted. Example: After his struggles in the first round, his loss in the second round was to be expected.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was to be expected.

The New York Times - Sports

That was to be expected.

The New York Times

This was to be expected.

The New York Times - Sports

But that was to be expected.

The New York Times

Such a move was to be expected.

The New York Times

The scene was to be expected.

The Economist

This response was to be expected.

The Economist

The result was to be expected.

The New York Times

"It was to be expected," she said.

The Guardian

Perhaps that was to be expected.

The New York Times

LME About what was to be expected?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was to be expected" when you want to convey that a particular outcome or event was predictable based on the circumstances. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "was to be expected" is acceptable, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing to use a more active voice when possible for a more direct impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was to be expected" functions as a comment on an event or situation, indicating that it aligns with prior expectations or predictions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was to be expected" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that conveys predictability or a lack of surprise about an event or outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for use in various contexts, maintaining a neutral register. It frequently appears in news and media, as well as scientific writing. When aiming for a more active voice, consider alternatives like "came as no surprise" or "was foreseeable". This phrase serves as a handy tool for expressing anticipated outcomes and expected reactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was a predictable outcome

Focuses on the result being a natural and logical consequence of preceding events.

came as no surprise

Emphasizes the lack of surprise associated with the event, highlighting its predictability.

was not surprising

Directly states the absence of surprise, focusing on the predictability of the outcome.

could have been predicted

Highlights the ability to foresee the event, focusing on its predictability based on available information.

was foreseeable

Indicates that the event was capable of being foreseen, emphasizing its inherent predictability.

it was only a matter of time

Suggests the event was inevitable, highlighting the temporal aspect of its occurrence.

that was bound to happen

Implies a sense of inevitability and predetermination, suggesting an unavoidable outcome.

it stood to reason

Highlights the logical basis for the event, emphasizing its rational and justifiable nature.

one could anticipate that

Focuses on the act of anticipating the event, emphasizing the proactive recognition of its likelihood.

that much was obvious

Emphasizes the clarity and self-evidence of the event's likelihood, suggesting it was easily discernible.

FAQs

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

You can use "was to be expected" to indicate that something was predictable. For example, "Given the team's poor performance, their defeat "was to be expected"."

What's a more formal way to say "was to be expected"?

In a more formal context, you could say "was foreseeable" or "was a predictable outcome" to convey a similar meaning with a slightly more elevated tone.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "was to be expected"?

While "was to be expected" is in the passive voice, it's often the most natural way to express the idea of something being predictable. However, consider using the active voice when emphasizing the cause of the predictability. For example, instead of "The delay "was to be expected"", you could say "We expected the delay because of the weather".

What can I say instead of "was to be expected" to sound less passive?

Consider using alternatives like "came as no surprise" or "was not surprising" to convey the same meaning but with a slightly more active feel.