I expected to

USAGE SUMMARY

"I expected to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate expectations, such as in this example sentence: "I expected to get promoted, but the job went to someone else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I expected to be hurt.

The New York Times - Sports

I expected to hate it.

The New York Times - Magazine

I expected to be arrested.

The Guardian - Opinion

I expected to be angry.

The New York Times

"I expected to be in the N.B.A.

The New York Times - Sports

I expected to encounter intense emotions.

The New York Times

"I expected to be married," she said.

The New York Times

I learned more than I expected to.

The New Yorker

Not that I expected to be.

The New York Times

I expected to see pages of explanation.

The New York Times

"I expected to get them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I expected to", ensure that the expectation is clearly defined and logically connected to the context. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands what was anticipated.

Common error

Avoid using "I expected to" as a filler phrase. Ensure each instance genuinely reflects a prior belief or anticipation that is relevant to the narrative or argument. Otherwise, consider more direct statements about what happened or what you observed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I expected to" functions as a verb phrase expressing a prior anticipation, belief, or assumption regarding a future event or action. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I expected to" is a versatile phrase used to express anticipation or prior belief. Ludwig AI validates that it is grammatically correct and frequently employed in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile and prevalent, it's key to ensure each instance adds genuine value to the narrative by reflecting a relevant prior expectation. While related phrases like "I anticipated that" and "I assumed that" offer subtle variations in meaning and formality, the core purpose of conveying a prior expectation remains consistent. The phrase's widespread use and simple construction makes it easy to grasp and employ effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I had assumed

This variation uses "assumed", indicating a belief taken for granted without proof.

I anticipated that

This alternative uses "anticipated" instead of "expected", suggesting a slightly more formal tone and a sense of looking forward to something.

I had envisioned

This option, using "envisioned", suggests a mental image or clear idea of what was to come.

I foresaw

This alternative employs "foresaw", implying a prediction or insight into what was going to happen.

I presumed

This alternative, utilizing "presumed", indicates an assumption based on probability or evidence.

I counted on

This choice, using "counted on", indicates reliance or dependence on something happening.

I was prepared for

This alternative, employing "was prepared for", suggests readiness and anticipation of something, often something challenging.

I was banking on

This alternative, utilizing "banking on", suggests a strong expectation or reliance on a particular outcome.

I looked forward to

This alternative uses "looked forward to", expressing a positive anticipation and excitement about something.

I took it for granted that

This option indicates an expectation that something was certain and didn't require further consideration.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "I expected to"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "I anticipated that" or "I had envisioned". These alternatives convey a similar meaning but with a slightly elevated level of formality.

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

You can use "I expected to" to express anticipation or prior belief about a future event or state. For example, "I expected to pass the exam" indicates that you believed you would pass the exam before knowing the result.

What's the difference between "I expected to" and "I hoped to"?

"I expected to" implies a stronger belief or anticipation based on some evidence or reasoning. "I hoped to" expresses a desire for something to happen but with less certainty or expectation.

What are some common phrases similar to "I expected to"?

Other common phrases with similar meanings include "I assumed that", "I presumed", and "I was anticipating". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.