I remember expecting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I remember expecting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when recalling a past anticipation or belief about something that was supposed to happen. Example: "I remember expecting the meeting to be more productive than it actually was."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Kev New York I remember expecting to be severely disappointed that by the time I got to New York to see "The Sisters Rosensweig" Linda Lavin had replaced Madeline Kahn as Gorgeous.

The New York Times

I remember expecting an acquittal that day, preparing for it even, but not really prepared for the disappointment of it.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And I clearly remember expecting harassment any time I was alone and wearing it in certain public places.

Huffington Post

It wasn't even the "fire and blood and anguish" the Inspector calls down on them in recompense, although I remember confusedly expecting literal flames, and possibly the appearance of the Demon King, on the class trip to the actual show.

The Guardian - Books

As much as I remember, I expected from my brother that they would just finish school, go to college.

Huffington Post

I was excited because I was opening the bowling and I remember looking over, expecting to see her watching with great attention, to discover that her back was turned in a circle of other mums.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A gentleman approached me proudly stating how his leaders had "passed their cultural training, and now they are suited to deal with diverse populations". I remember him smiling, expecting me to praise his forward thinking on the issue.

Forbes

When the first artificial intelligence business solutions began emerging a few years ago, I remember someone saying, "People expect artificial intelligence to feel magical, like a laser show or something". This isn't usually the case, of course.

Forbes

I remember staring at that wing, expecting the worst.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I remember the architect saying, "We expect this to be the kind of place that Keith Richards could drop out of a palm tree and live in".

The New York Times

The memoirist says in effect, "This is my take on what happened; this is the way I remember it". We do not expect the memoirist to be a disinterested chronicler of her own life, nor can we demand that her memory be more reliable than our own.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I remember expecting" to introduce a contrast between a past expectation and a present reality. This can add depth and intrigue to your writing.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses inappropriately when using "I remember expecting". Ensure that the subsequent clause aligns with the past tense framework established by the phrase. For example, it's better to say "I remember expecting it to be sunny" instead of "I remember expecting it will be sunny".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I remember expecting" functions as a clause opener in sentences where the speaker is recalling a past expectation. It combines the act of remembering with the state of expecting, indicating a memory of anticipation. As shown by Ludwig, it is often followed by a 'that' clause clarifying the expectation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I remember expecting" serves to express a past anticipation and sets the stage for contrasting it with the present reality. As confirmed by Ludwig, this grammatically correct and usable phrase is commonly found in news and media, but can also fit into business and formal settings. For alternatives, you might use "I recall anticipating" or "As I remember, I expected". When using "I remember expecting", make sure that you are using the correct tense and define clear expectations for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I remember anticipating

Direct synonym with a slightly different verb choice.

I recall anticipating

Emphasizes the act of predicting or foreseeing something.

I distinctly remember expecting

Highlights the clarity and vividness of the memory.

I recollect anticipating

A more formal way of saying 'I remember anticipating'.

Looking back, I anticipated

Focuses on the act of looking back from the present moment.

As I remember, I expected

Similar meaning, changes the sentence structure.

I had expected, as I recall

Reorders the phrase to place emphasis on the expectation itself.

I now remember expecting

Highlights that the memory has recently come to mind.

I seem to recall expecting

Adds a degree of uncertainty to the recollection.

My memory includes expecting

More formal and descriptive.

FAQs

How can I use "I remember expecting" in a sentence?

Use "I remember expecting" to recall a past anticipation, for instance, "I remember expecting the movie to be longer, but it was surprisingly short."

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

You could use alternatives like "I recall anticipating" or "I recollect anticipating" for a more formal tone.

Is it correct to say "I remember to expect" instead of "I remember expecting"?

No, "I remember to expect" has a different meaning. It suggests you made a conscious effort to expect something, whereas "I remember expecting" refers to a past expectation.

What's the difference between "I remember expecting" and "I had expected"?

"I remember expecting" emphasizes the act of recalling, while "I had expected" focuses on the prior expectation itself. The best way to use "I had expected" is when contrasting it with an outcome.