I expected to wait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I expected to wait" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing anticipation or belief that waiting would be necessary in a given situation. Example: "When I arrived at the airport, I expected to wait for my flight due to the long lines at security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I expected to wait, but people aren't being civil.

The New York Times

When I put my name down on the Camden allotment waiting list in 1998 I expected to wait.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

How long can I expect to wait?

The New Yorker

Should I expect to wait even longer for it now that the company is in bankruptcy?

The New York Times

Upon arriving at the White House, Douglass found "the stairway was crowded with applicants … and as I was the only dark spot among them, I expected to have to wait at least half a day".

The New York Times

As she slowly unravelled the headscarf I waited, expecting to see her long, dark hair fall down to rest on her shoulders.

Huffington Post

"When I was first ordained, you were expected to wait in the rectory for the phone or the doorbell to ring, and they did," he said about his first years as a priest, in the mid-1960s.

The New York Times

I expected Soviet soldiers to be waiting on the other side of the Iron Curtain, but it was totally empty.

Vice

The shortest 25 minutes of my life later--I was expecting to wait for hours--the doctor bounded into the waiting room wearing a big smile.

Science Magazine

I waited, half expecting to blow up like a balloon (as a precaution, I did this test at home, alone).

Los Angeles Times

Lee cannot be expected to wait.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I expected to wait" when you want to convey that you anticipated a delay or waiting period as a normal part of a process or situation. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "I expected to wait" without explaining why you anticipated the wait. Providing context (e.g., "I expected to wait because it was a busy time of day") makes your statement clearer and more informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I expected to wait" functions as a statement expressing a prior belief or anticipation. It shows that the speaker foresaw a delay or waiting period. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I expected to wait" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood expression used to convey anticipation of a delay. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for expressing the belief that waiting would be necessary in a given situation. While not overly formal, it's versatile enough for use in various contexts, especially in news and media. Alternatives such as "I anticipated a wait" or "I presumed I would have to wait" can offer subtle shifts in meaning. Remember to provide context when using this phrase to ensure clarity and avoid overuse without explanation. Therefore, mastering this phrase provides clear communication about anticipated delays, enhancing both spoken and written expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I anticipated a wait

Uses "anticipated" instead of "expected", implying a slightly more formal or deliberate expectation.

I anticipated having to wait

Emphasizes the obligation or necessity of waiting.

I foresaw a waiting period

Employs "foresaw" suggesting a prediction or prior knowledge of the wait.

I presumed I would have to wait

Replaces "expected" with "presumed", indicating an assumption based on available evidence.

I had foreseen I would have to wait

More formal construction with 'foreseen' emphasising a predictive element.

I assumed a waiting time

Substitutes "expected" with "assumed", implying a belief without concrete proof.

Waiting was what I expected

Changes the sentence structure for emphasis, highlighting the act of waiting.

I figured I'd be waiting

Uses "figured", making the statement more informal and conversational.

I reckoned on waiting

Replaces "expected" with "reckoned", giving a slightly old-fashioned or regional tone.

I was prepared to wait

Focuses on the preparedness for the wait rather than the expectation of it.

FAQs

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

You can use "I expected to wait" to express anticipation of a delay in various situations. For example, "I expected to wait at the doctor's office" or "I expected to wait in line for the concert tickets".

What can I say instead of "I expected to wait"?

You can use alternatives like "I anticipated a wait", "I presumed I would have to wait", or "I was prepared to wait depending on the context".

Is "I expected to wait" formal or informal?

"I expected to wait" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and situation.

What is the difference between "I expected to wait" and "I had to wait"?

"I expected to wait" implies anticipation, while "I had to wait" simply states that waiting occurred. The former suggests prior knowledge or belief that a delay was likely, whereas the latter is a statement of fact.