I expect to return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I expect to return' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to denote the speaker's anticipation or belief that they will come back or return to a certain place, situation, or activity. One example of using this phrase could be: "After studying abroad for a year, I expect to return to my home country and continue my education there." This sentence shows the speaker's expectation or plan to come back to their home country after a period of time spent studying abroad.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I expect to return.

The New Yorker

I expect to return to Boquete one day and find that Brando is the mayor.

The New York Times - Travel

Regardless of the outcome, I expect to return to the statin lest I succumb to a "premature" heart attack, as my father and grandfather did.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I expected to return after a knee replacement, but didn't.

Harvard University

I expected to return to my seat a few minutes later.

The Guardian - Sport

I expected to return to practicing law thereafter, hopefully working in the public sector instead of a private firm.

BBC

I would expect to return home tomorrow afternoon.

The New York Times

I fully expect to return to the US in years to come with blood-curdling tales of Parisian atrocities.

Forbes

11.47pm: I wrote my last blogpost on The Wire the other day and I didn't expect to return to the subject tonight.

The Guardian

I hope and expect to return to the Oratory church the following Sunday.

The New York Times

"I am recovering well and expect to return to work in the coming weeks.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I expect to return" when you have a reasonable basis for believing you will come back to a specific place, situation, or activity. Avoid using it if your return is highly uncertain.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "I expect to return" might sound too assertive in some formal or professional settings. Consider using softer alternatives like "I anticipate returning" or "I intend to return" to maintain a more neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I expect to return" functions as a statement of intent or anticipation. Based on Ludwig AI, it communicates the speaker's belief or plan regarding a future return. It often appears in contexts where the speaker is discussing travel, work, or other activities they plan to resume.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I expect to return" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express an anticipation or plan to come back. Ludwig AI confirms it’s generally acceptable, though potentially assertive in formal contexts. It's most commonly found in news and media sources, with infrequent presence in academic or encyclopedic content. Consider the context and audience when using this phrase, opting for alternatives if a more neutral tone is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I intend to come back

Stresses the intention to return.

I anticipate coming back

Focuses on anticipating the return, rather than expecting it.

I foresee my return

Emphasizes the prediction of returning.

I plan to be back

Highlights the planning aspect of returning.

I shall return

A more formal or emphatic way of stating the intention to return.

I am looking forward to returning

Emphasizes the positive anticipation of returning.

I'm counting on returning

Indicates reliance on the expectation of returning.

I am due back

Implies a scheduled or expected return.

I predict I will return

Shifts the focus to prediction of the return.

I trust I will be back

Expresses confidence in the expectation of returning.

FAQs

What does "I expect to return" mean?

It means that the speaker anticipates or believes they will come back to a certain place, situation, or activity.

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

You can use alternatives like "I intend to return", "I anticipate coming back", or "I plan to be back depending on the context.

Is "I expect to return" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral, but it can sound assertive in very formal contexts. Consider alternatives for such situations.

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

You can use it to express your anticipation or belief about coming back to a place or activity. For example, "After my vacation, I expect to return to work."