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A1 verb #195 most common 10 min read

expect

Top 195

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips expect in 30 Seconds

Explanation expect in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'expect' is used in its most literal and simple sense: thinking that someone or something will arrive soon. A beginner might use it to talk about a friend coming over or a package arriving in the mail. The grammar is usually simple: 'I expect a call' or 'I expect my mom.' At this stage, the focus is on the basic idea of waiting for a known event. It is important for A1 learners to distinguish 'expect' from 'wait.' While 'wait' is what you do with your body (standing at the door), 'expect' is what you do with your mind (knowing the person will come). Learners at this level should also learn the common phrase 'I expect so' as a polite way to agree with a prediction. They might also encounter it in simple signs or instructions, such as 'Expect delays,' which they might see on a road or at an airport. The goal for A1 is to understand that 'expect' points to the future and carries a sense of 'it will probably happen.'

At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'expect' to make simple predictions about the world around them, such as the weather or the outcome of a game. They start to use the 'expect + to + verb' pattern, such as 'I expect to see him tomorrow.' This level also introduces the idea of 'expecting' as a way to talk about pregnancy in a polite, indirect way. An A2 learner should be able to understand a sentence like 'She is expecting a baby in May.' They also begin to see 'expect' used in the context of simple rules or social norms, like 'The teacher expects us to do homework.' Here, the meaning shifts slightly from 'probability' to 'a simple requirement.' The A2 learner should also be comfortable using the word in the negative form, 'I don't expect it to rain,' and understand that this is the standard way to express a lack of belief in a future event. They are moving beyond simple arrivals to more abstract future possibilities.

At the B1 level, 'expect' becomes a key tool for discussing professional and social obligations. Learners use it to describe what is required of them at work or in their studies: 'My boss expects me to work late on Tuesdays.' The nuance of 'expectation' versus 'reality' becomes important here. B1 learners use phrases like 'as expected' or 'contrary to expectations' to compare what they thought would happen with what actually happened. They also start to use 'expect' with 'that' clauses more frequently: 'I expect that the situation will improve soon.' This level also involves understanding the emotional side of the word—how having 'high expectations' can lead to pressure or disappointment. B1 students should be able to use 'expect' in more complex sentence structures, including the passive voice: 'The results are expected to be good.' They also begin to distinguish 'expect' from more specific synonyms like 'anticipate' or 'predict' in different contexts, such as business or science.

At the B2 level, the use of 'expect' becomes much more nuanced and integrated into sophisticated discourse. Learners use the word to discuss trends, economic forecasts, and complex social behaviors. They understand the subtle difference between 'expect' and 'anticipate'—where 'anticipate' involves preparation. A B2 learner might say, 'We anticipated the surge in demand and increased our stock, as we expected the holiday season to be busy.' They are also comfortable with the word in various idiomatic expressions, such as 'expect the unexpected' or 'what do you expect?' (used to express that a negative outcome was not surprising). In writing, B2 learners use 'expect' to set up hypotheses or to discuss the reliability of data. They also understand the use of 'expect' in formal letters and reports, such as 'We expect a prompt response to this matter.' The focus at B2 is on precision, register, and the ability to use the word to manage complex interpersonal and professional relationships.

At the C1 level, 'expect' is used to explore philosophical, psychological, and systemic concepts. Learners might discuss the 'social expectations' placed on different genders or age groups, or the 'mathematical expectation' in statistics and probability theory. They can analyze how expectations shape human perception and behavior. In literature and high-level academic writing, they recognize 'expect' used in subtle, ironic, or highly formal ways. A C1 learner can navigate the complex grammar of 'expect' effortlessly, including its use in cleft sentences ('What I expected was a bit more cooperation') or with complex objects. They also understand the historical and etymological roots of the word, which can help them grasp its use in older texts. At this level, 'expect' is not just a verb but a concept used to critique and analyze the world. They can discuss the 'burden of expectation' or the 'subversion of expectations' in film and art with nuance and clarity.

At the C2 level, mastery of 'expect' is absolute. The learner uses the word with the same flexibility and precision as a highly educated native speaker. They can use it to convey subtle shades of meaning, from weary resignation ('I might have expected as much') to sharp authority. They are adept at using 'expect' in rhetorical strategies, such as using it to establish a premise before dismantling it. In professional contexts, they use the word to define high-level strategy and organizational culture ('We expect excellence not as an act, but as a habit'). They are also familiar with rare or archaic uses of the word and can appreciate its role in classical literature. A C2 speaker can play with the word's various meanings—probability, requirement, and pregnancy—to create puns or sophisticated metaphors. Their use of the word is characterized by perfect collocations and an instinctive sense of which synonym (e.g., 'envisage,' 'surmise,' 'presuppose') would be more appropriate in a given sentence.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

expect in 30 Seconds

Expect means to believe something will happen in the future based on evidence or plans, like expecting a bus or a phone call.
It is also used to state a requirement or duty, such as a teacher expecting students to finish their homework on time.
A very common use is as a polite way to say someone is pregnant, as in the phrase 'she is expecting a baby.'
Grammatically, it often follows patterns like 'expect something,' 'expect to do something,' or 'expect someone to do something.'

The verb expect is a fundamental pillar of the English language, primarily used to describe the mental state of anticipating a future event based on evidence, probability, or social norms. At its core, to expect something is to believe that it is likely to happen. Unlike 'hope,' which focuses on a desire for a positive outcome regardless of its likelihood, 'expect' is grounded in a sense of certainty or logical progression. When you expect a bus at 9:00 AM, you aren't just wishing for it; you are looking at a schedule and concluding that its arrival is the most probable reality. This word bridges the gap between simple observation and the internal processing of future possibilities.

Anticipation: The most common usage involves predicting an arrival or occurrence. For example, 'We expect rain this afternoon' implies that meteorological data or dark clouds suggest a high probability of precipitation.
Requirement: In a social or professional context, 'expect' carries the weight of an obligation. If a manager says, 'I expect you to be on time,' they are not making a prediction; they are stating a requirement or a duty that must be fulfilled.

The scientists expect the results of the experiment to be published by the end of the month, provided the data remains consistent.

Furthermore, 'expect' is the standard polite way to refer to pregnancy in English. Saying 'She is expecting' is a widely understood euphemism for 'She is pregnant.' This usage highlights the 'waiting' aspect of the word, as the parents-to-be are anticipating the arrival of a new life. In business, the word is ubiquitous. It appears in phrases like 'expected earnings,' 'expected delivery dates,' and 'expected behavior.' It sets the baseline for performance and provides a metric against which reality is measured. When reality fails to meet these expectations, we use the phrase 'below expectations,' and when it surpasses them, we say 'exceeded expectations.'

I didn't expect to see you here so early on a Saturday morning!

Emotional Weight: Expectations can be a source of stress. When we say someone has 'high expectations,' we mean they demand a lot from themselves or others, often leading to disappointment if things go wrong.

Do you think it will work? I expect so, if we follow the instructions carefully.

Using 'expect' correctly requires understanding its various grammatical patterns. It is a versatile verb that can take several different structures depending on what you are trying to communicate. The most basic form is expect + noun phrase, as in 'I expect a package.' Here, you are simply stating that you believe an object will arrive. However, when dealing with actions, the grammar becomes more specific. One of the most common patterns is expect + to + verb, used when the subject of the sentence is the one performing the future action. For instance, 'She expects to graduate in June' means she believes she will be the one graduating.

Pattern: Expect + Object + To-Infinitive: This is used when you believe someone else will do something. 'The teacher expects the students to study.' Note that you cannot say 'expects that the students study' as easily; the 'to' infinitive is much more natural for expressing requirements.

We expect our employees to maintain a high level of professionalism at all times.

Another frequent structure is expect + that-clause. This is often used for general predictions about situations. 'I expect that the prices will rise next year.' In casual conversation, the 'that' is often omitted: 'I expect prices will rise.' This pattern is very similar to using 'think' or 'believe,' but with a stronger sense of probability. When using 'expect' in the negative, English speakers usually negate the 'expect' itself rather than the following verb. For example, instead of saying 'I expect him not to come,' it is much more common to say 'I don't expect him to come.' This follows the same pattern as 'I don't think...' vs 'I think... not...'

They expect that the new highway will reduce traffic congestion significantly.

Passive Voice: 'Expect' is frequently used in the passive voice to describe general beliefs. 'The storm is expected to hit the coast at midnight.' This shifts the focus from who is doing the expecting to the event itself.

The company's stock price is expected to double over the next five years.

In the real world, 'expect' is a workhorse of communication. You will hear it in almost every domain of life, from the most formal corporate boardrooms to the most casual family dinners. In a professional setting, 'expect' is the language of project management and accountability. Managers use it to set deadlines and define the scope of work. You might hear, 'I expect a full report by Friday,' which serves as a clear, authoritative directive. It is also common in financial news, where analysts discuss 'expected growth' or 'expected market volatility.' In these cases, the word is tied to statistical models and expert forecasts.

Customer Service: When you order something online, you receive an 'expected delivery date.' If you call a support line, an automated voice might say, 'The expected wait time is ten minutes.' Here, the word provides a psychological anchor for the customer.

The airline expects all passengers to remain seated while the fasten seatbelt sign is illuminated.

In social life, 'expect' often revolves around plans and relationships. Friends might say, 'We're expecting you at 7:00,' which is a warm way of saying they are looking forward to your arrival and have prepared for it. It also appears in the context of life milestones. As mentioned before, 'expecting' is the go-to word for pregnancy. You might hear a neighbor say, 'Did you hear? Sarah is expecting!' This usage is so common that the object 'a baby' is often left out because it is implied. In more tense social situations, the word can be used to express indignation: 'I expected better from you!' This indicates that the speaker had a high opinion of the person that has now been disappointed.

As expected, the movie was a huge success at the box office.

News and Media: Journalists use 'expect' to discuss upcoming political events, sports results, and economic shifts. 'The Prime Minister is expected to make an announcement later today.'

Don't expect any miracles; this is going to take a lot of hard work.

Even though 'expect' is an A1-level word, it is frequently misused by learners at all levels, often due to interference from their native languages or confusion with similar English verbs. The most common error is confusing expect with wait. In many languages (like Spanish 'esperar' or French 'attendre'), a single word covers both meanings. In English, 'wait' is a physical action—staying in one place until something happens. 'Expect' is a mental state—believing something will happen. You can wait for a bus while expecting it to be late. You cannot say 'I am expecting for the bus' if you mean you are standing at the bus stop; that would mean you are mentally anticipating its arrival, and the 'for' is grammatically incorrect here.

Mistake: Expect + For: Incorrect: 'I expect for my friend to arrive.' Correct: 'I expect my friend to arrive.' Unlike 'wait for,' 'expect' does not take the preposition 'for' before its object.

Incorrect: I am expecting for a letter. Correct: I am expecting a letter.

Another frequent point of confusion is between 'expect' and 'hope.' 'Hope' is about desire: 'I hope it doesn't rain' (I want it to be sunny). 'Expect' is about probability: 'I expect it will rain' (The sky is black, so it probably will). If you say 'I expect to win the lottery,' you sound very overconfident because the probability is low. You should say 'I hope to win the lottery.' Conversely, if you say 'I hope the sun rises tomorrow,' it sounds strange because the sun rising is a certainty, so 'I expect the sun to rise' (or simply 'The sun will rise') is more appropriate. Additionally, learners often struggle with the 'expect + object + to-infinitive' structure, mistakenly using a 'that' clause where a 'to' infinitive is more idiomatic, especially for requirements.

I expect there will be some problems (Probability). I hope there won't be any problems (Desire).

The 'Expecting' Trap: Be careful using 'I am expecting' without an object. As mentioned, this almost always means you are pregnant. If you mean you are waiting for a call, say 'I am expecting a call.'

She is expecting (She is pregnant). She is expecting a guest (Someone is coming over).

To truly master 'expect,' it helps to see how it sits among its synonyms and near-synonyms. While 'expect' is the most general and common term, other words can provide more precision depending on the context. Anticipate is a close relative, but it often implies taking action in preparation for the expected event. If you 'expect' a storm, you believe it will come. If you 'anticipate' a storm, you might board up your windows. Await is a more formal version of 'wait for' or 'expect,' usually used with things rather than people, such as 'We await your reply.' It carries a sense of formality and patience.

Expect vs. Anticipate: Expect is the mental belief. Anticipate is the mental belief plus the emotional or physical preparation for it. 'I anticipate a busy day' suggests I am already mentally preparing for the workload.
Expect vs. Assume: To 'assume' is to believe something is true without proof. To 'expect' is to believe something will happen based on evidence or past experience. 'I assume you're hungry' (I'm guessing) vs 'I expect you're hungry' (It's been 8 hours since you ate, so it's likely).

We foresee no major obstacles in the coming months (Formal/Professional).

In professional contexts, predict and foresee are common alternatives. 'Predict' is often used with data and trends ('Economists predict a recession'). 'Foresee' is used for looking into the future and identifying potential issues or outcomes ('I don't foresee any problems with this plan'). For the 'requirement' sense of expect, words like require, demand, or insist on are stronger alternatives. 'The job requires you to travel' is more direct than 'We expect you to travel.' Finally, in very casual English, people might use 'reckon' (especially in British or Southern US English) or 'guess' to mean 'expect' in the sense of 'suppose.'

I reckon it'll take about an hour to get there (Informal/Regional).

Summary of Nuances: Use 'expect' for general probability. Use 'anticipate' for preparation. Use 'predict' for data-based claims. Use 'require' for mandatory duties.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The 'spect' part of the word comes from the Latin 'spectare' (to look), which is the same root for 'spectacles' (glasses) and 'spectator' (someone who looks at a game).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɪkˈspekt/

US /ɪkˈspekt/

The stress is on the second syllable: ex-PECT.

Rhymes With

Respect Direct Collect Select Connect Detect Effect Project

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'x' as 'es' (es-pect).
Putting the stress on the first syllable.
Dropping the final 't' sound.
Confusing the 'e' sound with 'a' (ex-pact).
Adding a vowel sound between 'k' and 's'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very common word found in almost all basic texts.

Writing 2/5

Requires care with 'to' infinitives and avoiding 'for'.

Speaking 1/5

Natural and frequent in everyday conversation.

Listening 1/5

Easily recognized in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Think Believe Wait Want Will

Learn Next

Anticipate Requirement Obligation Probability Predict

Advanced

Envisage Surmise Presuppose Postulate Forebode

Grammar to Know

Expect is a state verb and is not usually used in the continuous form for predictions.

Correct: I expect it will rain. Incorrect: I am expecting it will rain.

When expect means 'pregnant,' it is almost always used in the continuous form.

She is expecting her first child.

Expect does not take the preposition 'for' before its object.

Correct: I expect him. Incorrect: I expect for him.

In the passive voice, 'be expected to' is followed by the base form of the verb.

The train is expected to arrive at 4 PM.

Negative expectations are usually expressed by negating 'expect,' not the following verb.

I don't expect to win (instead of 'I expect not to win').

Examples by Level

I expect a phone call today.

I think someone will call me.

Expect + noun phrase.

We expect the bus at ten o'clock.

The bus usually comes at 10:00.

Simple present for a scheduled event.

Do you expect a guest?

Is someone coming to visit you?

Question form with 'do'.

I expect so.

Yes, I think that will happen.

Common short response.

They expect me at home.

My family thinks I am coming home.

Expect + object + prepositional phrase.

I don't expect rain.

I think it will be sunny.

Negative form with 'don't'.

Wait, I expect a message!

I am waiting because I think a message is coming.

Imperative 'wait' used with 'expect'.

Who do you expect?

Who is coming to see you?

Wh- question.

She expects to finish her work soon.

She believes she will finish soon.

Expect + to + infinitive.

The doctor expects you to rest.

The doctor says you must rest.

Expect + object + to + infinitive (Requirement).

Are you expecting a baby?

Are you pregnant?

Present continuous for pregnancy.

I expect that it will be cold tonight.

I think the temperature will drop.

Expect + that clause.

We didn't expect to see you here!

We are surprised to see you.

Negative past simple.

The teacher expects us to be quiet.

We must be quiet in class.

Expect + object + to + infinitive.

I expect he will arrive late.

He is usually late, so I think he will be late today.

Expect + (that) clause.

Do you expect to stay long?

Will you be here for a long time?

Question with 'to' infinitive.

The company expects a profit this year.

The company believes it will make money.

Business context.

As expected, the meeting was very long.

The meeting was long, just as we thought.

Phrase 'As expected'.

I don't expect him to change his mind.

I think he will keep his opinion.

Negative expectation of another person.

What do you expect from this course?

What are your goals for this class?

Expect + from.

The storm is expected to arrive at midnight.

People think the storm will come at 12:00 AM.

Passive voice: is expected to.

I expect you to follow the rules.

You must obey the rules.

Strong requirement.

She has very high expectations for her children.

She wants her children to be very successful.

Noun form: expectations.

I expect that prices will continue to rise.

I think things will get more expensive.

Future prediction.

The project is expected to be completed by June.

The plan is for the project to finish in June.

Passive voice with 'to be' + past participle.

We should expect some resistance to the new policy.

Some people will probably disagree with the new rule.

Modal 'should' + expect.

I expect you've heard the news already.

I suppose you already know what happened.

Expect used to mean 'suppose'.

The results were better than expected.

The results were a pleasant surprise.

Comparative 'better than expected'.

You can't expect to win every time.

It is impossible to always be the winner.

General truth/advice.

I'm expecting a delivery between 2 and 4 PM.

The delivery person said they would come then.

Continuous form for a specific anticipated event.

The manager expects a high standard of work.

The manager demands excellent results.

Expect + noun phrase (Requirement).

It is only to be expected that there will be some errors.

Errors are normal in this situation.

Formal idiom: 'only to be expected'.

The government is expected to face tough questions.

People believe the government will be criticized.

Passive voice in a political context.

One might reasonably expect a more detailed explanation.

It is logical to want more information.

Formal 'one' + 'might reasonably expect'.

The film subverts the audience's expectations.

The movie does something different than what people thought.

Academic/Artistic context.

Contrary to expectations, the economy grew slightly.

People thought it would shrink, but it grew.

Phrase 'Contrary to expectations'.

I expect you to act in the best interests of the company.

You have a moral and professional duty to the firm.

High-level professional requirement.

There is an expectation of privacy in this digital age.

People believe they should have privacy online.

Noun form in a legal/social context.

The sheer scale of the disaster was beyond what anyone expected.

The disaster was much worse than anyone imagined.

Expect used to emphasize scale.

We expect to see a shift in consumer behavior.

We predict that people will start buying different things.

Strategic prediction.

The results, while positive, fell short of the lofty expectations set by analysts.

The results were good, but not as good as people hoped.

Complex sentence structure with 'fell short of'.

In this line of work, one must learn to expect the unexpected.

You must be prepared for surprises.

Proverbial usage.

The protagonist's fate was precisely what the reader had been led to expect.

The author gave clues about what would happen.

Literary analysis.

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife—or so society would expect.

Society has certain beliefs about what people should do.

Allusion to Jane Austen with a twist on 'expect'.

The treaty was signed with the expectation that all parties would adhere to its terms.

They signed it believing everyone would follow the rules.

Noun form in international relations.

I might have expected as much from someone with your track record.

I am not surprised by your bad behavior because you always do this.

Idiomatic 'might have expected as much'.

The mathematical expectation of the variable provides a baseline for the simulation.

The average value is used to start the computer model.

Technical/Scientific usage.

To expect a different outcome while repeating the same actions is the definition of insanity.

You won't get a new result if you don't change what you do.

Philosophical/Psychological usage.

Synonyms

anticipate await predict foresee suppose assume

Antonyms

doubt disbelieve

Common Collocations

Fully expect

Reasonably expect

Hardly expect

Expected to arrive

Life expectancy

Exceed expectations

Meet expectations

Contrary to expectations

Beyond expectations

Great expectations

Common Phrases

I expect so.

— A polite way to say 'yes' when someone asks if something will happen.

Will it rain? I expect so.

What do you expect?

— Used to say that a bad situation is not surprising.

He's always late. What do you expect?

As expected

— In the way that people thought would happen.

As expected, the movie was great.

Don't expect miracles.

— Used to warn someone not to have too high hopes.

I can help, but don't expect miracles.

Expecting a baby

— A polite way to say someone is pregnant.

My sister is expecting a baby.

Expected delivery date

— The date when a package or a baby is likely to arrive.

The expected delivery date is Tuesday.

I expect you're right.

— Used to agree with someone's opinion or guess.

I expect you're right about the price.

Better than expected

— Used when the result is more positive than you thought it would be.

The food was better than expected.

To be expected

— Normal or not surprising in a certain situation.

A few mistakes are to be expected.

I expect better from you.

— Used to express disappointment in someone's behavior.

I expect better from a student of your talent.

Often Confused With

expect vs Wait

Wait is the physical act of staying somewhere; expect is the mental belief.

expect vs Hope

Hope is a desire; expect is a belief based on probability.

expect vs Look forward to

Look forward to is always positive; expect can be neutral or negative.

Idioms & Expressions

"Expect the unexpected"

— Be prepared for surprises or things that you don't think will happen.

When traveling, you should always expect the unexpected.

Neutral

"When you least expect it"

— Happening at a time when you are not thinking about it at all.

Love often comes when you least expect it.

Neutral

"What can you expect?"

— A rhetorical question implying that a person's behavior is typical for them.

He forgot my birthday again. But what can you expect?

Informal

"I might have expected as much"

— Used to say you are not surprised by someone's bad behavior.

He lied again? I might have expected as much.

Neutral

"Against all expectations"

— Happening even though it seemed very unlikely.

Against all expectations, the small team won the trophy.

Neutral

"In expectation of"

— Doing something because you think something else will happen.

They bought extra food in expectation of more guests.

Formal

"Live up to expectations"

— To be as good as people thought you would be.

The new phone didn't live up to expectations.

Neutral

"Wait in expectation"

— To wait with excitement or a strong belief that something is coming.

The crowd waited in expectation for the star to appear.

Literary

"Fall short of expectations"

— To not be as good as what was expected.

His performance fell short of expectations.

Neutral

"Beyond one's wildest expectations"

— Much better than one could have ever imagined.

The success was beyond her wildest expectations.

Neutral

Easily Confused

expect vs Wait

Many languages use the same word for both.

Wait is an action (standing at a bus stop). Expect is a thought (knowing the bus is coming). You can wait without expecting, or expect without waiting.

I am waiting for the bus, and I expect it to be late.

expect vs Hope

Both involve the future.

Hope is about what you want to happen. Expect is about what you think will happen. You can hope for something you don't expect, like winning the lottery.

I hope I win, but I don't expect to.

expect vs Anticipate

They are very close synonyms.

Anticipate usually implies that you are doing something to prepare for the event. Expect is just the belief that it will happen.

We anticipate a storm, so we are buying water. We expect the storm to be strong.

expect vs Assume

Both involve believing something.

Assume is believing something without proof or evidence. Expect is believing something based on evidence, plans, or past experience.

I assume you're tired, but I expect the results tomorrow because the lab said so.

expect vs Predict

Both are about the future.

Predict is usually a formal statement based on data or science. Expect is a more general belief or a personal requirement.

The report predicts growth, and the boss expects us to achieve it.

Sentence Patterns

I expect + [Noun]

I expect a letter.

I expect + to + [Verb]

I expect to see you.

I expect + [Object] + to + [Verb]

I expect you to help.

I expect + (that) + [Clause]

I expect (that) it will rain.

As expected, + [Clause]

As expected, he won.

[Subject] + is expected + to + [Verb]

The plane is expected to land.

Contrary to expectations, + [Clause]

Contrary to expectations, the plan worked.

One might reasonably expect + [Noun/Clause]

One might reasonably expect some delay.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high; one of the top 1000 words in English.

Common Mistakes

I am expecting for a call. → I am expecting a call.
You do not need 'for' after expect. This mistake happens because 'wait' needs 'for.'
I expect that he comes tomorrow. → I expect him to come tomorrow.
While 'that' clauses are possible, the 'object + to + verb' pattern is much more common for people.
I hope it will rain because the sky is black. → I expect it will rain because the sky is black.
Use 'expect' for probability based on evidence. Use 'hope' for what you want.
I am expecting it will be a good day. → I expect it will be a good day.
Don't use the continuous (-ing) form for general predictions. Only use it for pregnancy or specific arrivals.
He is expected for arriving at 5. → He is expected to arrive at 5.
The passive 'is expected' must be followed by 'to' + the base verb.

Tips

No 'for' after expect

Never say 'expect for.' Just say 'expect' followed directly by the person or thing. 'I expect the mail,' not 'I expect for the mail.'

Expect vs. Hope

Use 'hope' for things you want, and 'expect' for things you think are likely. You can expect a bill, but you probably don't hope for one!

The 'I expect so' trick

Use 'I expect so' to sound polite and certain when agreeing with a prediction. It's a very 'natural' sounding English phrase.

Exceeding expectations

In business writing, use the phrase 'exceed expectations' to describe high-quality work. It's a very positive and professional collocation.

Pregnancy Euphemism

If you want to be polite, use 'expecting' instead of 'pregnant.' For example: 'When are you expecting?' is a very standard, kind question.

Stress the 'PECT'

The stress is on the second syllable. If you hear someone stressing the first syllable, they might be saying a different word or mispronouncing it.

British 'I expect'

If you are in the UK, you will hear 'I expect' used to mean 'I suppose.' Example: 'I expect you're tired.' It doesn't mean they are demanding you be tired!

Expect + To

Remember the pattern: Expect + Object + To + Verb. 'I expect you to help me.' Don't forget the 'to'!

Contrary to expectations

Use this phrase to introduce a surprising result in an essay. 'Contrary to expectations, the data showed a decrease.'

The 'X' sound

The 'x' in expect is pronounced like 'ks.' Make sure you don't skip the 'k' sound.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'EX-pert' who 'SPECT-ates' (watches) the future. They 'expect' what will happen next.

Visual Association

Imagine a person looking through a telescope at a clock that is moving toward them. They are looking out for the time.

Word Web

Future Probability Waiting Requirement Pregnancy Anticipation Belief Planning

Challenge

Try to use 'expect' in three different ways today: one for a prediction, one for a requirement, and one for a surprise.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin word 'expectare' (or 'exspectare'), which means 'to look out for' or 'to wait for.' It entered Middle English through the Old French word 'expecter.'

Original meaning: To look out for something with anticipation.

Indo-European (Latin branch)

Cultural Context

Be careful when asking 'Are you expecting?' only ask if it is 100% certain someone is pregnant to avoid offense.

In the UK, 'I expect' is often used where Americans might say 'I guess' or 'I suppose.'

'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens The phrase 'Expect the unexpected' from various spy movies The song 'Expecting to Fly' by Buffalo Springfield

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather Forecasts

Expect rain
Expect sunshine
Expect temperatures to drop
Expected storm

Work/Business

Expect a report
Expect a promotion
Meet expectations
Exceed expectations

Travel

Expect delays
Expected time of arrival
Expect a smooth flight
Expected wait time

Family/Pregnancy

Expecting a baby
When are you expecting?
Expect a visit
Expect the best

Social Situations

I expect so
What do you expect?
Expect better from someone
As expected

Conversation Starters

"What do you expect to happen in the next episode of your favorite show?"

"Do you expect that technology will change our lives even more in the next ten years?"

"What kind of weather do you expect for the weekend?"

"When you travel to a new country, what do you expect to see?"

"Do you expect your friends to always be on time?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time when something happened that was completely different from what you expected.

What are your expectations for yourself for the next year? How will you achieve them?

Describe a movie or book that exceeded your expectations. Why was it so good?

Do you think society expects too much from young people today? Why or why not?

How do you handle it when someone doesn't meet your expectations?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should not use 'for' after 'expect.' The correct way is 'I am expecting you.' 'Wait' uses 'for,' but 'expect' does not. This is a very common mistake for learners.

If you use it without an object, like 'She is expecting,' then yes, it almost always means she is pregnant. However, if you add an object, like 'She is expecting a call,' it just means she thinks someone will call.

Expect is the belief that something will happen. Anticipate is that belief plus preparation or an emotional reaction. For example, if you anticipate a problem, you take steps to prevent it.

It is slightly more formal than 'I think so' or 'Yeah,' but it is very common in polite, neutral conversation. It's a great phrase to use to sound more like a native speaker.

You use 'be expected to.' For example: 'The train is expected to arrive at 5:00.' This is very common in news and official announcements.

Yes, unlike 'hope,' 'expect' is neutral. You can expect a disaster, a failure, or a storm. It just means you think it will happen.

It's a common idiom used when something bad happens and you aren't surprised because it's typical. For example, if a lazy person fails a test, you might say, 'What do you expect?'

Yes, you can have one expectation or many expectations. For example: 'I have high expectations for this project.'

It is a statistical measure of the average time a person is expected to live based on their birth year and other factors.

It is better to say 'I expect him to come' or 'I expect that he will come.' Using the simple present after 'that' in this context sounds a bit unnatural.