I expect to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I expect to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing anticipation or belief about a future state or condition regarding yourself or someone else. Example: "I expect to be promoted by the end of the year if I continue to meet my targets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I expect to be around for a while (not a prediction but an expectation).

The New Yorker

"Do I expect to be consulted?

Independent

I expect to be better".

The New York Times - Sports

"I expect to be blown away.

The New York Times

Did I expect to be sailing?

The New York Times

Yes, I expect to be here.

The New York Times - Sports

"I expect to be perfect," Fabini said.

The New York Times - Sports

Would I expect to be Gordie Howe?

The New York Times - Sports

"I expect to be in a good position," said Vettel.

Independent

By Holy Week, I expect to be desperate.

The New Yorker

"I expect to be here on Boxing Day," Kean said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Specify a timeframe to provide context: "I expect to be finished by Friday."

Common error

In formal writing or professional communication, relying too heavily on "I expect to be" can sound presumptuous. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "It is anticipated that I will be" or "I anticipate being" to maintain a balanced and professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "I expect to be" is to express a personal anticipation or belief about a future state. This phrase indicates the speaker's expectation of being in a certain condition or location at a later time. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it is used to project oneself into a future scenario.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I expect to be" is a common and grammatically sound way to express anticipation or confidence about a future state. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is versatile and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The phrase sees frequent usage in News & Media, reflecting its wide applicability. While generally neutral, consider using more formal alternatives such as "I anticipate being" in professional settings to prevent sounding presumptuous. Remember to provide context and avoid using it for unfounded hopes. Master these nuances to ensure effective communication and avoid common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I anticipate being

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

I am anticipating being

Similar to 'I anticipate being', but uses the continuous tense to emphasize ongoing anticipation.

I foresee myself as

Uses "foresee" to suggest a vision of the future self in a specific role or state.

I imagine myself being

Employs "imagine" to convey a sense of envisioning a future state.

I look forward to being

Expresses a positive sentiment of eagerness along with the expectation.

I predict I will be

Substitutes "expect" with "predict", emphasizing a forecast or estimation.

I am counting on being

Uses "counting on" to highlight reliance or dependence on the expected outcome.

I assume I will be

Replaces 'expect' with 'assume', suggesting a belief without concrete evidence.

I trust I will be

Uses 'trust' to indicate confidence or faith in the expected outcome.

I hope to be

Expresses a wish or desire for a particular outcome, which is less certain than an expectation.

FAQs

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

You can use "I expect to be" to express anticipation or belief about a future state or condition. For instance, "I expect to be promoted by the end of the year if I continue to meet my targets".

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

You can use alternatives like "I anticipate being", "I foresee myself as", or "I imagine myself being" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "I expect to be" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "I expect to be" when you are confident about a future outcome based on current circumstances or evidence. However, avoid using it when expressing mere wishes or unfounded hopes.

Is "I expect to be" formal or informal?

The phrase "I expect to be" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal situations, consider alternatives like "I anticipate being" for a more professional tone.