I expect to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I expect to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing anticipation or belief about a future event or outcome. Example: "I expect to receive the report by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I expect to return.

The New Yorker

Do I expect to play?

The New York Times - Sports

"I expect to see more.

The New York Times

I expect to make change".

The New York Times - Sports

"But I expect to".

The New York Times

I expect to win.

The New York Times - Sports

"I expect to win the nomination".

The New York Times

"I know I expect to go.

The New York Times - Sports

How long can I expect to wait?

The New Yorker

I expect to do this in pieces.

The New York Times

"Do I expect to be consulted?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I expect to" when expressing a reasonable belief about a future action or event. Ensure the context supports the expectation's likelihood.

Common error

Avoid using "I expect to" when you simply want something to happen without a logical basis for the expectation. Use "I hope to" or "I wish to" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I expect to" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's anticipation or belief about a future event or action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase is typically followed by a verb in its infinitive form to complete the meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I expect to" is a versatile phrase used to express anticipation or belief about future events. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and highly prevalent across various sources. The phrase's neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse settings, from formal reports to casual conversations. When employing this phrase, remember to align the strength of your expectation with the actual likelihood of the event occurring. Alternatives like "I anticipate" or "I hope" can offer subtly different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I anticipate

Omits the infinitive 'to', creating a slightly more formal tone.

I foresee

Implies a prediction based on insight or foresight.

I predict

Suggests a forecast based on available information.

I anticipate that I will

Adds a clause, making the sentence more explicit.

I look forward to

Expresses eagerness and positive anticipation, requiring a gerund after 'to'.

I intend to

Focuses on the intention or plan to do something.

I plan to

Highlights a pre-arranged course of action.

I am counting on

Indicates reliance on something happening.

I assume

Suggests a belief without concrete proof.

I hope to

Expresses a desire or wish for something to happen.

FAQs

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

Use "I expect to" to express a belief or anticipation about a future event or action. For example, "I expect to finish the project by Friday."

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

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

Is it always necessary to include a verb after "I expect to"?

Yes, "I expect to" requires a verb in the infinitive form to complete the expression. For example, "I expect to see you tomorrow."

What's the difference between "I expect to" and "I hope to"?

"I expect to" implies a reasonable belief based on evidence or conditions, while "I hope to" expresses a desire or wish without necessarily having a strong basis for that outcome. For example, you might say "I expect to get a promotion because I've exceeded my targets" versus "I hope to win the lottery".