always expecting to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "always expecting to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a consistent anticipation or belief regarding future events or outcomes. Example: "She is always expecting to receive praise for her hard work, regardless of the circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"I was always expecting to find Clara Anahí.

The New Yorker

There was Eckersley, always feisty, always expecting to succeed in the ninth.

The New York Times - Sports

That's what's always happened, that's what it's always been, you know, and so I was always expecting to do that" (Mr. Skiles)?

The New York Times - Arts

"I'm always sad if a contestant leaves by choice, because you are always expecting to let the public vote them in or out – but John is his own person and he has his own reasons for doing this," she said.

Independent

Each day, getting a taxi over to the hotel in Kowloon to see him, I was always expecting to find that he would have disappeared, been lifted by the CIA or the Hong Kong police.

The Guardian

While we were always expecting to fight for fourth in this election, it is quite astonishing for Labour to lose this seat and the Conservatives to see such a drop".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

I always expect to win".

The New York Times - Sports

"You just always expect to see him.

The New York Times

He always expected to have success.

The New York Times - Sports

The Cubs were always expected to fail.

The New York Times - Sports

But Scott always expected to win.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "always expecting to" to convey a habitual anticipation or belief, such as, "She is always expecting to find a better opportunity".

Common error

Avoid using "always expecting to" in highly formal or academic writing, as it may sound less precise than alternatives like "consistently anticipating" or "predictably awaiting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "always expecting to" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as part of a verb phrase to describe a continuous or habitual anticipation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It describes a persistent state of anticipation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "always expecting to" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe a continuous or habitual state of anticipation. As Ludwig AI analysis confirms, this phrase is usable in general English. It is most commonly found in news and media, and less so in formal academic contexts. When writing, consider whether alternative phrases like "constantly anticipating" or "perpetually looking forward to" might provide a more precise or formal tone. The examples provided by Ludwig serve to show the phrase's function, which is to express personal anticipation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constantly anticipating

Replaces "expecting" with "anticipating", emphasizing a continuous state of expectation.

perpetually looking forward to

Replaces "always expecting" with "perpetually looking forward", highlighting eagerness.

habitually anticipating

Replaces "always expecting" with "habitually anticipating", stressing the habitual nature of the expectation.

consistently predicting

Shifts from expectation to prediction, implying a forecast of events.

invariably assuming

Replaces "expecting" with "assuming", suggesting a presumption without concrete evidence.

routinely envisioning

Replaces "expecting" with "envisioning", focusing on mental imagery of the expected outcome.

regularly forecasting

Replaces "expecting" with "forecasting", pointing to a calculated prediction.

customarily counting on

Replaces "expecting" with "counting on", implying reliance on a particular outcome.

predictably awaiting

Replaces "always expecting" with "predictably awaiting", emphasizing the predictable nature of the wait.

constantly awaiting

Replaces "always expecting" with "constantly awaiting", stressing the continuous wait.

FAQs

How can I use "always expecting to" in a sentence?

You can use "always expecting to" to describe a habitual anticipation, such as "He was "always expecting to" be promoted, given his hard work".

What can I say instead of "always expecting to"?

You can use alternatives like "constantly anticipating", "perpetually looking forward to", or "habitually anticipating" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "always expecting to" or "always expected to"?

"Always expecting to" implies a continuous state of anticipation, while "always expected to" suggests something that was consistently anticipated by others. For example, "He was "always expecting to" win", versus, "He was "always expected to" win by his fans".

What's the difference between "always expecting to" and "always hoping to"?

"Always expecting to" suggests a stronger belief or anticipation, while "always hoping to" implies a wish or desire. Expectation is more certain than hope. You may use "always hoping to" instead.