I was expecting something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was expecting something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing anticipation or a sense of expectation regarding an event, outcome, or item. Example: "When I opened the gift, I was expecting something more extravagant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I was expecting something more.

The Guardian

"I was expecting something like this.

The Guardian

"I was expecting something different, something better".

The New York Times

I was expecting something better from Harvard, I was wrong.

Harvard University

I was expecting something from my mythology in my head.

The New York Times

I was expecting something that was more distinct.

The New York Times

"I was expecting something with a little more personality," a diner complained.

The New Yorker

I was expecting something far more tasteful, and far less eccentric and mysterious.

The New York Times

Given the exquisite produce for sale next door, I was expecting something more... interesting.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I'm expecting something with tentacles to emerge and unravel a proboscis.

The Economist

I'm expecting something tight, bright, and well worth the inevitable fight to get in.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was expecting something" when you want to express a deviation between your expectations and reality. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "I was expecting something" when simply stating a fact or observation without any prior expectation. Instead, opt for a direct statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was expecting something" functions as a statement of prior anticipation. It sets up a contrast between what the speaker believed would happen and what actually occurred. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was expecting something" is a versatile phrase used to express a prior anticipation that differs from the actual outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. When writing, ensure that you are conveying a genuine expectation, not simply stating a fact. Consider alternatives like "I anticipated something" or "I had hoped for something" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was anticipating something

Highlights the act of predicting or foreseeing an event or outcome.

I anticipated something

Implies a slightly more formal or calculated expectation.

I was looking forward to something

Expresses excitement and positive anticipation.

I had hoped for something

Conveys a sense of desire or wishfulness regarding the expectation.

I envisioned something

Emphasizes the mental image or visualization of what was expected.

I imagined something

Suggests a more creative or speculative expectation.

I foresaw something

Indicates a prediction based on prior knowledge or intuition.

I presumed something

Implies an assumption based on limited evidence.

I assumed something

Indicates a belief taken for granted without proof.

I gathered something

Suggests an inference made from available information.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I was expecting something" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "I anticipated something", "I had expected something", or "My expectation was for something different".

What's the difference between "I was expecting something" and "I hoped for something"?

"I was expecting something" implies a belief that something was likely to happen. "I hoped for something" /s/i+hoped+for+something suggests a desire for something to happen, even if it wasn't necessarily probable.

Is it correct to say "I am expecting something" instead of "I was expecting something"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they convey different meanings. "I am expecting something" refers to a current or future expectation, while "I was expecting something" refers to a past expectation.

What can I say instead of "I was expecting something" to show disappointment?

To express disappointment, you could say "I had hoped for more", "It wasn't what I expected", or "I was anticipating something different".