expect result
Anticipate outcome
Use this phrase when you want to sound confident about a specific outcome following your hard work.
In 15 Seconds
- Anticipating a specific outcome after taking action.
- Common in business, fitness, and academic contexts.
- Implies a logical connection between effort and reward.
Meaning
When you 'expect a result', you are waiting for something specific to happen after you take an action. It is the feeling of looking forward to a consequence or an answer.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking to a client
You can expect a result from our team by Monday morning.
You can anticipate an outcome from our team by Monday morning.
Discussing a fitness plan
If I train this hard, I expect a result within a month.
In a laboratory setting
The scientists expect a result once the chemical reaction is complete.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects a Western focus on meritocracy and efficiency. It became popular in corporate environments during the mid-20th century as management became more data-driven. It implies that every action must have a measurable output.
Plural Power
Using the plural 'results' often sounds more impressive in business. It suggests multiple benefits rather than just one.
Don't sound like a robot
Avoid using this phrase in romantic contexts. Saying 'I expect a result from our date' makes you sound like a computer!
In 15 Seconds
- Anticipating a specific outcome after taking action.
- Common in business, fitness, and academic contexts.
- Implies a logical connection between effort and reward.
What It Means
To expect a result is to look ahead. You have done some work. Now, you wait for the outcome. It is like planting a seed. You do not just walk away. You wait for the flower to grow. It implies a logical connection between action and consequence.
How To Use It
You usually use this in professional or goal-oriented settings. It often follows a verb like can or should. For example, 'You can expect a result by Friday.' It sounds confident and organized. You can also use it when talking about science or fitness. If you run every day, you expect a result on the scale.
When To Use It
Use this phrase when discussing timelines. It is great for business meetings. Use it when talking to a doctor about a test. It works well when you are being demanding too. If you pay for a service, you expect a result. It shows you are serious about your time and money.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for emotional or random events. You do not expect a result from a first date. That sounds like a business transaction! Do not use it for things out of your control. You cannot expect a result from the weather. It is best for things with a clear process.
Cultural Background
In Western culture, efficiency is very important. People love to see progress. The phrase expect a result reflects this 'action-reward' mindset. It suggests that hard work always leads to something visible. It is a very 'can-do' way of speaking. It shows you value accountability.
Common Variations
You might hear people say expect results in the plural. This sounds even more powerful. Another variation is await an outcome. That is much more formal. If you are being casual, you might say see what happens. But expect a result hits that perfect middle ground of being clear and firm.
Usage Notes
This phrase is safe for 90% of situations. It is perfectly neutral. Just be careful not to sound too 'transactional' in personal relationships.
Plural Power
Using the plural 'results' often sounds more impressive in business. It suggests multiple benefits rather than just one.
Don't sound like a robot
Avoid using this phrase in romantic contexts. Saying 'I expect a result from our date' makes you sound like a computer!
The 'ASAP' Culture
In the US and UK, people often add 'soon' or 'immediately' because they are culturally conditioned to want fast results.
Examples
6You can expect a result from our team by Monday morning.
You can anticipate an outcome from our team by Monday morning.
Sets a professional deadline and builds trust.
If I train this hard, I expect a result within a month.
Expresses personal goals and motivation.
The scientists expect a result once the chemical reaction is complete.
Describes a logical, scientific expectation.
I did the interview today, now I just expect a result soon!
Shows excitement and nervous anticipation.
I've refreshed the page ten times and I still don't see the result I expect.
Used to show frustration with technology.
We expect a result from the biopsy by tomorrow afternoon.
Deals with serious, life-impacting information.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the professional promise.
After we submit the application, we should ___ a result in two weeks.
`Expect` is the standard verb used when there is a logical timeline for an outcome.
Complete the sentence to show frustration.
I put in the effort, so I ___ a result!
Using `expect` here emphasizes that the speaker feels they deserve an outcome.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Expect a result'
Wait and see
Let's see what happens.
Expect a result
I expect a result soon.
Anticipate an outcome
We anticipate a favorable outcome.
When to use 'Expect a result'
Business Project
The client expects a result.
Medical Tests
When can I expect a result?
Gym/Fitness
I expect a result from this diet.
Academic Exam
I expect a good result on my test.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. 'Waiting' is passive, but 'expecting' implies that you are certain something is coming because of an action you took.
Yes, you can. For example, 'If you don't study, you can expect a poor result.' It works for both positive and negative outcomes.
Absolutely. It sounds professional and confident. You might say, 'I expect a result from the marketing campaign by Tuesday.'
Use 'result' for a single answer (like a test score) and 'results' for general progress (like weight loss or sales growth).
It can sound a bit demanding if your tone is sharp. To be softer, add 'hope to' as in 'I hope to expect a result soon.'
You can say 'anticipate an outcome' or 'await a conclusion' in very formal legal or academic writing.
It sounds a bit strange. Usually, we say 'expect rain.' 'Expect a result' is for human actions or processes.
Yes, it is used globally in English-speaking business environments.
Yes, 'expect' and 'result' are frequently used together in English, making them a natural-sounding pair.
Yes! 'The fans expect a result today' means they expect their team to win or at least play well.
Related Phrases
Wait for the dust to settle
Wait for a situation to become clear.
See it through
Finish something until the end.
The bottom line
The final result or most important point.
Fruit of your labor
The positive result of your hard work.
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