we had expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we had expected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express an anticipation or belief about something that was supposed to happen in the past. Example: "Despite the challenges we faced, we had expected a smoother transition to the new system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The worst we had expected.

The Guardian

Wasn't this exactly what we had expected?

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was not something we had expected".

The New York Times

We had expected to have 15 seats.

The New York Times

Those never materialized to the extent that we had expected.

The New Yorker

Still, we had expected better from Mr Bradshaw.

Independent

David: It proved more difficult than we had expected.

The New York Times

Most of the ideas were ideas we had expected.

The New York Times

"It surpassed, by far, what we had expected.

The New York Times

"We had expected an acquittal," he said abruptly.

The New York Times

"We had expected a groundbreaking by now," Mr. Fletcher said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we had expected" to clearly indicate a past expectation that may or may not have been met. This construction is suitable for both formal and informal writing.

Common error

Avoid confusing "we had expected" with "we are expecting" or "we expect". "We had expected" refers to a past expectation, while the other tenses refer to present or future expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we had expected" functions as a statement expressing a prior anticipation or belief. This aligns with Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage in various contexts. The auxiliary verb "had" places the expectation in the past, relative to a subsequent event or realization.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we had expected" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey a past anticipation or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, ranging from formal writing to casual conversation. While alternatives like "we anticipated" or "we were expecting" exist, the choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. Avoid tense confusions and utilize the phrase to clearly indicate past expectations. The frequency of this phrase is very common according to Ludwig, particularly in news media and scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we anticipated

This alternative conveys a similar meaning but often implies a more formal or deliberate expectation.

we were expecting

This alternative is more conversational and suggests a sense of anticipation about something imminent.

we had anticipated

More formal version of "we anticipated", adding emphasis on the prior planning or expectation.

we foresaw

This alternative suggests a predictive element, implying that the outcome was seen in advance.

we predicted

This alternative highlights a forecast or a formal prediction based on available information.

we had foreseen

Slightly more formal than "we foresaw", emphasizing the act of seeing something in advance.

we presumed

This alternative indicates an assumption made without concrete proof, often based on past experience.

we assumed

Similar to "presumed", this alternative suggests a belief taken for granted, often without verification.

we looked forward to

This alternative conveys positive anticipation and excitement about something.

we bargained for

This alternative implies an expectation that was considered as part of an agreement or exchange, often with a sense of negotiation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we had expected" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "we had anticipated" or "we had presumed", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "we had expected" and "we were expecting"?

"We had expected" refers to an expectation held in the past, whereas "we were expecting" suggests an ongoing expectation at some point in the past. The first indicates a completed expectation while the second indicates the expectation was not necessarily fulfilled.

Is it appropriate to use "we had expected" in academic writing?

Yes, "we had expected" is suitable for academic writing. It is grammatically correct and clearly conveys the idea of a past expectation, and you can use more alternatives such as "we had predicted" to enhance formality.

What are some common synonyms for "we had expected" in business communication?

In business communication, you can use phrases like "we anticipated", "we forecasted", or "we projected" to convey a similar meaning with a professional tone.