I really expect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I really expect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong belief or anticipation about something happening in the future. Example: "I really expect that the project will be completed on time, given the team's dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

I wouldn't call Keegan Bradley overlooked, but I really expect him to have a great tournament.

The New York Times

"At some stage I really expect a course that's really difficult, right to the limit".

The Guardian - Sport

"I really expect to see my kids graduate from high school, go to college and give me some grandchildren.

The New York Times - Health

"I really expect that the positive achievements that have been made in our intergovernmental relations lately will not be damaged by the latest events," he said.

The New York Times

"If they're done carefully and with deliberation -- and I really expect they will be -- I don't have a problem with it.

The New York Times

"I really expect a very intense, very aggressive, very physical series," Riley said today after a two-hour-45-minute Laker practice on the campus of Loyola Marymount.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

I really expected to get some attitude.

The New York Times - Travel

"I really expected myself to play better tonight," Federer said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I really expected there to be more interracial relationships for meeting online.

The New York Times

But I really expected him to cause me more trouble with his serve.

The New York Times

"I really expected a tough match and that's maybe why I played so well.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I really expect" to convey a strong sense of anticipation or confidence in a particular outcome. It's suitable for expressing personal convictions or predictions based on available information.

Common error

Avoid overusing "I really expect" in close succession, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "I anticipate", "I believe", or "I foresee" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I really expect" functions as a statement of anticipation or strong belief. It asserts the speaker's conviction regarding a future event or outcome. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

22%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I really expect" is a common and grammatically correct way to express strong anticipation or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across different contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, varying your language with synonyms like "I truly anticipate" or "I genuinely believe" can enhance your writing. Remember to use "I really expect" judiciously to avoid repetition, and ensure it aligns with the overall tone and formality of your content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I fully anticipate

Strengthens the sense of anticipation, indicating a complete expectation.

I strongly anticipate

Increases the intensity of anticipation, suggesting a powerful expectation.

I truly anticipate

Emphasizes sincerity and anticipation, altering the tone slightly.

I have every expectation

Rephrases the expectation as a possession, implying a well-founded anticipation.

I genuinely believe

Focuses on belief rather than expectation, suggesting a firm conviction.

I confidently predict

Adds a predictive element, expressing assurance about a future outcome.

I am quite confident

Shifts the focus to confidence, suggesting a high degree of certainty.

It is my firm belief

Highlights the firmness of the belief, making it a statement of conviction.

I am thoroughly convinced

Expresses complete conviction, indicating a strong persuasive influence.

I foresee with certainty

Adds a sense of foresight and assuredness regarding a future event.

FAQs

What does "I really expect" mean?

It means you strongly anticipate something will happen or are confident in a particular outcome.

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

You can use it to express your anticipation about a future event. For example, "I really expect that the project will be completed on time."

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

You can use alternatives like "I truly anticipate", "I genuinely believe", or "I fully anticipate" depending on the context.

Is "I really expect" formal or informal?

It is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferable in certain professional settings.