I should expect

USAGE SUMMARY

"I should expect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a belief or assumption before something happens, or when you think something is likely to happen. For example: "I should expect some people to be unhappy with my decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

When I think about being happy at work, I often go back to these first principles to reset my expectations about what I should expect from work.

Huffington Post

"He says I should expect secondaries.

The New Yorker

Yet I am constantly being told that I should expect to work for free after graduating.

The Guardian

After my vacuum victory, I wandered over to the apparel section, where, app developers said, I should expect less success.

The New York Times - Tech

"I should check the literature" on hunger strikes, he wrote, "to see when I should expect my second wind".

The New York Times

With these adaptations or enlargements of your existing policies, I should expect a successful outcome with great confidence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

So, I think he looks wonderful and I think you should expect great things from him".

Huffington Post

So I think people should expect that that record will be built upon during the next four years.

The New York Times

With that in mind, I think Queenslanders should expect the highest levels of accountability and transparency.

The Guardian

I think they should expect a change in the approach to the control of the education process.

The New York Times

In the absence of anything occurring, I think you should expect to see inflation in China in the near future.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I should expect" to express a reasonable anticipation based on prior knowledge or circumstances. For instance, "Given the weather forecast, I should expect rain tomorrow."

Common error

In formal contexts, consider using stronger verbs like "anticipate" or "predict" to convey a higher degree of certainty or professionalism. While "I should expect" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound less confident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I should expect" functions primarily as a means of expressing an anticipation or a reasonable expectation about a future event or outcome. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I should expect" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express anticipation or a reasonable expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts. While it's versatile, remember to consider stronger alternatives like "anticipate" or "predict" for more formal writing. The frequency of usage is generally common, particularly in news and media, making it a useful expression to understand and employ effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I anticipate that

Adds a conjunction to clarify the expectation, more formal.

I anticipate

Emphasizes a confident prediction, more formal.

I foresee

Suggests a prediction based on insight or foresight, slightly more formal.

It is my expectation that

More formal and emphatic way of stating an expectation.

I predict

Directly states a prediction about a future event, neutral in tone.

I assume

Indicates a belief without concrete proof, less certain.

I presume

Similar to assume, but often based on probability or reasonable grounds, slightly more formal.

I imagine

Suggests a belief based on intuition or limited evidence, less formal.

I reckon

Informal way of saying 'I suppose' or 'I think'.

I would think

Expresses an opinion or belief, less assertive than "I expect".

FAQs

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

Use "I should expect" to express a reasonable anticipation or belief about a future event based on current information or past experiences. For example, "If I send the package today, I should expect it to arrive within three business days."

What phrases are similar to "I should expect"?

Alternatives include "I anticipate", "I foresee", or "I predict". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Is it always appropriate to start a sentence with "I should expect"?

While grammatically correct, starting multiple sentences with "I should expect" can make your writing repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by rephrasing or using alternatives.

How does the tone of "I should expect" compare to "I demand"?

"I should expect" suggests an anticipation or assumption, whereas "I demand" conveys a forceful requirement. The former is less assertive and more about prediction, while the latter is about asserting authority or control.