I was expecting

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was expecting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about an expectation you had that did not come true. For example, "I was expecting to get a raise this year, but it didn't happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I was expecting what?

The New Yorker

"I was expecting the worst".

The New York Times

I was expecting a compliment.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I was expecting stronger numbers.

The New York Times

Not what I was expecting".

The New York Times

"I was expecting it.

The Guardian

I was expecting £9.

The Guardian - Books

"I was expecting this," he said calmly.

The New York Times

"I was expecting a Clevelandish ending.

The New York Times - Sports

And I was expecting a noneventful flight.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Uh--I was expecting your machine".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was expecting" in formal writing, maintain a professional tone and avoid overly casual language. Frame your expectations clearly and objectively.

Common error

Avoid using "I am expecting" when referring to a past expectation. "I am expecting" refers to a current or future anticipation, while "I was expecting" refers to a past one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was expecting" functions as a statement of past anticipation or belief. It is typically followed by a noun phrase or a clause indicating the object of expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was expecting" is a versatile phrase used to express past anticipation or belief, as Ludwig AI confirms. It functions grammatically as a statement, primarily used to convey a prior state of mind. With a neutral register, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, as highlighted by the multiple examples found on Ludwig. Alternatives such as "I anticipated" or "I had assumed" can offer nuanced variations. To avoid errors, ensure the tense aligns with the past expectation you're describing. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "I was expecting" to add depth and clarity to their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I anticipated

This alternative is more concise and implies a strong feeling of expectation.

I had foreseen

This phrase suggests a prediction based on insight or knowledge.

I had assumed

This phrase indicates a belief taken for granted, often without proof.

I presumed

This alternative suggests an assumption made without concrete evidence.

I envisioned

This alternative implies a mental image or visualization of what was to come.

I had thought

This alternative is less formal and suggests a casual expectation.

I looked forward to

This phrase conveys a sense of positive anticipation and excitement.

I reckoned

This phrase is informal and implies a calculation or estimation.

I was prepared for

This alternative indicates a state of readiness for something.

I was under the impression

This phrase suggests a belief based on incomplete or misleading information.

FAQs

What does "I was expecting" mean?

The phrase "I was expecting" expresses a past expectation or anticipation of something, whether or not it actually happened. It indicates a belief or anticipation held at a prior time.

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

You can use "I was expecting" to describe something you thought would happen but didn't, or something you thought would be a certain way but wasn't. For example, "I was expecting a sunny day, but it rained".

Which is more appropriate, "I was expecting" or "I expected"?

Both "I was expecting" and "I expected" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "I was expecting" emphasizes the duration or process of expecting, while "I expected" is a more general statement of expectation. For example, saying "I expected a call" is appropriate too.

What are some alternatives to "I was expecting"?

You can use alternatives like "I anticipated", "I had assumed", or "I had thought depending on the context.