expect
To think or believe that something will happen or that someone will arrive. It is also used to express that you believe someone has a duty to do something.
Examples
3 of 5I expect it will rain this afternoon because the sky is very dark.
I think it is likely to rain later today.
The university expects all students to submit their assignments on time.
The school requires students to hand in work by the deadline.
I didn't expect to see you at the party!
I was surprised to see you there.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'EXpect' as looking 'EXternally' (outward) into the future to see what is coming.
Quick Quiz
We ___ more than fifty people to attend the wedding next week.
Correct!
The correct answer is: expect
Examples
I expect it will rain this afternoon because the sky is very dark.
everydayI think it is likely to rain later today.
The university expects all students to submit their assignments on time.
formalThe school requires students to hand in work by the deadline.
I didn't expect to see you at the party!
informalI was surprised to see you there.
Economists expect that the inflation rate will remain stable throughout the year.
academicExperts predict that prices will not change much this year.
We expect a detailed response from our suppliers by the end of the business day.
businessWe are waiting for and require an answer from the vendors today.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
expecting a baby
pregnant
what do you expect?
used to say you are not surprised by a bad situation
beyond expectations
better or more than what was predicted
Often Confused With
'Wait' is the physical act of staying in a place until something happens, while 'expect' is the mental belief that it will happen.
'Hope' is wanting something to happen, while 'expect' is thinking it is likely to happen.
Usage Notes
The verb 'expect' is frequently followed by an object and a 'to' infinitive (e.g., 'I expect him to arrive'). When used in the continuous form 'expecting', it often refers to pregnancy.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'I am expecting the bus' when they mean 'I am waiting for the bus.' Use 'expect' for the belief and 'wait' for the time spent.
Memory Tip
Think of 'EXpect' as looking 'EXternally' (outward) into the future to see what is coming.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'expectare', which means 'to look out for' or 'to await'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In English-speaking business cultures, saying 'I expect you to...' is a polite but very firm way of giving a direct order.
Quick Quiz
We ___ more than fifty people to attend the wedding next week.
Correct!
The correct answer is: expect
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
To want something to happen or be true and believe that it i...
futureThe future refers to the period of time that will happen aft...
probabilityProbability is how likely it is that something will happen....
forecastA forecast is a description of what is likely to happen in t...
waitTo stay in a place or delay an action until a specific time...
Related Words
proceed
C1The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.
individual
C1Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.
appropriately
B2To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.
region
B2A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.
resource
B2A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
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