I expect of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I expect of" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly; the correct form would be "I expect" followed by the object or the subject of expectation. Example: "I expect you to complete the project on time."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

I know what I expect of Eton, but already I expect my expectations to be dashed.

The Guardian - Books

What would I expect of travelling now?

The Guardian - Travel

And what did I expect of this remarkable, sprawling, fast-changing city?

The New York Times

That's part of what I expect of my staff, and of myself".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's been kind of what I expect of myself," Upton said.

The New York Times - Sports

This is the kind of exhibition I expect of the British Museum.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

"I knew what was expected of me and I knew what I expected of myself.

Independent

"His appearance was not what I expected of a young, clean-cut doctor".

The New Yorker

But I have disappointed and failed to live up to the standard I expected of myself.

The New York Times

"He has been over and beyond what I expected of him.

The Guardian - Sport

These are the Corn Islands, and it's not what I expected of Nicaragua.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the construction "expect of". Instead, use "expect from" or restructure the sentence to use "expect" followed by the object or the subject of expectation. For example, instead of "I expect of you good work", say "I expect good work from you" or "I expect you to do good work."

Common error

A common mistake is using "expect of" when "expect from" is more appropriate. Remember that "expect" typically requires a direct object or a 'to' infinitive. Thus, avoid saying "I expect of my students diligence" and instead say "I expect diligence from my students" or "I expect my students to be diligent".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I expect of" is typically intended to express an anticipation or requirement. However, the correct usage would be "I expect from" or simply "I expect" followed by the expected outcome or behavior. The Ludwig AI identifies this as a non-standard construction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "I expect of" appears in various sources, including news and media, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The correct usage is either "I expect from" or "I expect" followed by the object of expectation. As Ludwig AI notes, using "I expect of" deviates from standard English grammar. To maintain clarity and correctness, it is advisable to avoid this construction and opt for more grammatically sound alternatives. The phrase appears uncommonly, and its use may detract from your writing credibility, especially in formal or professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I anticipate from

Replaces "expect" with "anticipate", implying a slightly more formal expectation.

I require from

Substitutes "expect" with "require", suggesting a more stringent or mandatory expectation.

I demand from

Emphasizes a forceful expectation, replacing "expect" with "demand".

I await from

Replaces "expect" with "await", indicating a passive expectation.

I foresee from

Substitutes "expect" with "foresee", suggesting a prediction or anticipation based on insight.

what I anticipate

Changes the structure to focus on the thing being anticipated rather than the act of expecting it from someone or something

what I require

Changes the structure to focus on the requirement rather than the act of expecting something of someone or something

what I demand

Changes the structure to focus on the demand rather than the act of expecting something of someone or something.

my expectations for

Restructures the phrase to highlight expectations, shifting away from demanding expectation.

my requirements for

Focuses on needs or requirements instead of expectations, changing the tone from expecting to needing something.

FAQs

How can I correct the phrase "I expect of" in a sentence?

The phrase "I expect of" is generally considered incorrect. You can correct it by using "I expect from" or restructuring the sentence. For example, instead of "I expect of you to be on time", you can say "I expect you to be on time" or "I expect punctuality "from you"".

What are some alternatives to "I expect of" that are grammatically sound?

Instead of "I expect of", consider using phrases like "I expect", "I anticipate", or "I require". Depending on the context, you can say "I expect good results", "I anticipate a positive outcome", or "I require your immediate attention".

Is "I expect from" always interchangeable with "I expect of"?

No, "I expect of" is generally not considered correct, so "I expect from" is not interchangeable with it. "I expect from" is used to indicate the source from which you anticipate something, whereas "I expect" is followed by the thing expected or a 'to' infinitive.

How can I use the verb "expect" correctly in a sentence?

To use "expect" correctly, follow it with a direct object (e.g., "I expect a raise") or a 'to' infinitive (e.g., "I expect to succeed"). You can also use "expect from" to indicate the source (e.g., "I expect honesty "from my friends"").