what did we expect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what did we expect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a sense of resignation or irony regarding an outcome that was anticipated based on prior knowledge or experience. Example: "After seeing the poor planning for the event, I couldn't help but think, what did we expect?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But what did we expect?

Independent

What did we expect?

The Guardian - Film

But then, what did we expect?

Independent

But what did we expect from something called Homecoming Scotland 2009?

The Guardian - Opinion

Thomas L. Friedman's column "What Did We Expect?" (Aug. 20) is straightforward and right on the mark.

The New York Times

Many will have hoped that Milky would pull back from the ultimate revenge but really, what did we expect?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

What's missing is a national discussion of what do we expect schools to do, given there is an expectation now schools should be intervening early in families".

The Guardian

And what do we expect?

The New York Times

"What do we expect from Clermont?

Independent

What do we expect of a friend?

The Guardian

What do we expect in 2015?

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what did we expect" to express resignation or irony when an outcome aligns with your prior expectations. It is particularly effective when pointing out the obvious or highlighting a predictable consequence.

Common error

Avoid using "what did we expect" in situations where genuine surprise or shock is appropriate. This phrase is best suited for scenarios where the outcome was, in some way, predictable or anticipated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what did we expect" functions as an interrogative rhetorical question used to express a lack of surprise or resignation regarding an outcome that was predictable. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show it frequently follows statements outlining the reasons for the expected outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what did we expect" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed rhetorical question that conveys a lack of surprise or resignation concerning a predictable outcome. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase fits well in neutral registers, predominantly in News & Media. When writing, it’s important to ensure the tone aligns with this sense of inevitability and avoid using it in situations requiring genuine surprise. Alternatives like "what else could we expect" or "it was inevitable" offer similar expressions, as presented by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what else could we expect

Focuses more explicitly on the limited range of possible outcomes.

what should we have expected

Highlights a reflection on the appropriateness of initial expectations.

what were we anticipating

Emphasizes the act of predicting or foreseeing an event.

was there any other outcome possible

Poses a rhetorical question about the inevitability of the result.

it was inevitable

States directly that the outcome was unavoidable or predetermined.

we should have known

Implicates a shared awareness or foresight that was lacking.

it was bound to happen

Indicates a natural or predictable progression towards the outcome.

no surprises there

Expresses a lack of astonishment due to the predictable nature of the result.

that's what we get

Implies a deserved consequence or outcome based on previous actions.

we asked for it

Suggests a responsibility or contribution to the resulting situation.

FAQs

How can I use "what did we expect" in a sentence?

You can use "what did we expect" to express a lack of surprise about a negative outcome that seemed inevitable, such as, "After that series of bad decisions, "what did we expect"?"

What phrases are similar to "what did we expect"?

Similar phrases include "what else could we expect", "we should have known", or "it was inevitable", all of which imply a predictable or unavoidable outcome.

Is "what did we expect?" a rhetorical question?

Yes, "what did we expect?" is often used as a rhetorical question. It doesn't require an answer but rather emphasizes a point that the outcome was foreseeable.

When is it appropriate to use "what did we expect"?

It's appropriate to use "what did we expect" when you want to convey that an outcome, typically negative, was not surprising given the circumstances or past events. It suggests a degree of resignation or ironic acceptance.