what would you expect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what would you expect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing anticipated outcomes or reactions in a given situation. Example: "After all the warnings about the storm, what would you expect to happen next?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

But what would you expect?

The New York Times

What would you expect of this experience?

The New York Times

What would you expect to happen in three no-trump?

The New York Times

Now what would you expect this to be?

Yale University

What would you expect from this department and administration?

Cornell University

So what would you expect from these guys?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"What'd you expect, Pebble Beach?" they read.

The New York Times

What'd you expect?" You could also substitute "train station" for "airport" if you want.

TechCrunch

What'd you expect?

Vice

"And I'm saying, 'Hey, what'd you expect?

Los Angeles Times

What else would you expect?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what would you expect" to express a lack of surprise or inevitability regarding a situation or outcome. For instance, "Given his track record, what would you expect but another failure?"

Common error

While versatile, "what would you expect" can sound dismissive or rhetorical in formal contexts. Opt for more neutral phrases like "what is anticipated" or "what is the likely outcome" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what would you expect" primarily functions as an interrogative rhetorical question. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and used to express a lack of surprise or to imply that an outcome was inevitable given the circumstances.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

23%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what would you expect" functions as a rhetorical question, typically used to express a lack of surprise or to suggest an outcome was inevitable. As verified by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in News & Media and Academia contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the tone; in formal settings, alternatives like "what is anticipated" might be more appropriate. The phrase's prevalence and adaptability make it a valuable tool in everyday communication, provided its nuances are well understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what do you anticipate

Focuses on anticipation rather than expectation, suggesting a more predictive inquiry.

what should one anticipate

Generalizes the question, asking what anyone should expect in a given situation.

what do you foresee

Implies a more formal and predictive inquiry about future events.

what is to be expected

A more formal way of asking what is generally anticipated.

what's your prediction

Directly asks for a prediction about an outcome.

what could you predict

Focuses on the ability to predict based on available information.

what do you imagine

Explores hypothetical or imaginative outcomes, moving away from expectation.

what might you assume

Asks about assumptions, suggesting a less certain expectation.

what's the likely outcome

Shifts the focus to probability and potential results.

what's coming down the pike

An idiomatic way to ask about upcoming events or outcomes, less formal.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "what would you expect" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "what is anticipated?", "what outcome is foreseeable?", or "what should one reasonably expect?". These alternatives offer a similar meaning but with a more professional register.

When is it appropriate to use "what would you expect"?

This phrase is suitable when you want to express that a particular outcome is not surprising or is even inevitable, given the circumstances. It can be used in casual conversation, news reporting, and even academic discussions to highlight predictable results.

What's the difference between "what would you expect?" and "what do you think?"

"What do you think?" generally seeks an opinion or assessment. On the other hand, "what would you expect?" implies that the outcome was predictable and almost unavoidable. The former is open-ended, while the latter carries a sense of inevitability.

Can "what would you expect" be used sarcastically?

Yes, the phrase can be used sarcastically to express disappointment or disapproval, implying that a negative outcome was predictable due to someone's actions or circumstances. For example, "After he skipped all his classes, what would you expect but a failing grade?"