I can expect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I can expect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing anticipation or belief about a future event or outcome. Example: "Given the current trends, I can expect an increase in sales next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Agricultural and Food Economics

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

[0 = When I make an entrepreneurial decision, the risk does not matter, I only orientate myself on the expected profit. 1 = If I can expect a high profit, I can also live with a great risk. 2 = Even if I can expect a high profit, the risk must be manageable.

Agricultural and Food Economics

That is all I can expect".

The New York Times - Sports

I can hope and I can expect.

The New York Times - Science

That's the best I can expect".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Now I can expect a second dose at Fourteenth Street.

The New Yorker

Here, I can expect to be judged on my merits".

The Guardian

My numerous doctors all warn me that I can expect to live to be 100.

The New York Times - Science

Hence, I can expect consistent support for my application across environments.

The New York Times

"Indeed, I can expect to dribble my way into old age.

The Guardian

Are these the only joys I can expect of my free time?

The Guardian - Sport

Though I can expect compensation, I have yet to receive a penny.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I can expect" to set realistic expectations in professional contexts. For example, when managing projects, clearly state what stakeholders "I can expect" to receive and when.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "I can expect" in formal writing. Use stronger, more precise verbs like 'anticipate', 'predict', or 'forecast' to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I can expect" functions as a statement of anticipation or a prediction about a future event. It expresses a belief that something is likely to happen, based on current conditions or past experiences. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I can expect" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey anticipation or prediction. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to avoid overuse in highly formal writing, opting for stronger synonyms like "anticipate" or "predict" instead. Understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, guided by the examples above and the alternative options provided, enables confident and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I anticipate

More formal and concise, implying a confident expectation.

I foresee

Suggests a prediction based on insight or knowledge.

I predict

Implies a more formal or scientific prediction.

I assume

Indicates a belief without concrete proof.

I reckon

Informal, mainly used in British English.

I imagine

Suggests a less certain expectation, more based on conjecture.

I suppose

Similar to assume, but can also indicate mild uncertainty.

I look forward to

Expresses anticipation with pleasure or excitement.

I anticipate receiving

Focuses on the reception of something expected.

I foresee getting

Suggests the attainment of something that is predicted.

FAQs

How can I use "I can expect" in a sentence?

Use "I can expect" to express a reasonable anticipation or belief about a future event or outcome. For example, "Given the current market trends, /s/I+can+expect a steady increase in sales next quarter".

What can I say instead of "I can expect"?

You can use alternatives like "I anticipate", "I foresee", or "I predict" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I can expect" or "I should expect"?

"I can expect" implies a reasonable expectation based on current circumstances, while "I should expect" suggests a moral or logical obligation. The choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "I can expect" and "I hope for"?

"I can expect" suggests a degree of certainty or likelihood, whereas "I hope for" expresses a desire with less assurance of realization. Hope is a wish, expect is more grounded in reality.