an expectation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an expectation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a belief or anticipation about a future event or outcome. Example: "There is an expectation that the project will be completed by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's an expectation thing.

The Guardian - Film

"There is an expectation of reasonable closure".

The New York Times

"There's an expectation of certain behavior".

The New York Times

"I think we had an expectation.

Independent

There's an expectation of equality".

The New York Times

"So that was an expectation error.

Harvard University

It is a hope, not an expectation.

The Guardian - Sport

It's hard to pick an expectation.

The New York Times - Sports

Consumers have an expectation of privacy".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

We developed an expectation-maximization algorithm to estimate the model.

Duke University

There's a possibility and an expectation.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an expectation" to clearly convey a belief about a future event or outcome. Ensure the context supports the reasonableness of the expectation.

Common error

Avoid using "an expectation" when expressing a mere wish or hope. Reserve it for scenarios where there is a reasonable basis for anticipating a particular outcome.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "an expectation" is that of a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, denoting a belief or anticipation. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility in expressing foreseen outcomes or anticipated behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an expectation" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to express a belief or anticipation. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, academic, and professional settings. The phrase functions primarily to denote anticipation or anticipation, and while it maintains a generally neutral to professional register, it is crucial to ground it in reasonable evidence rather than mere wishes. Several alternatives, such as ""a hope"" or ""an anticipation"", can be used depending on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an anticipation

Direct synonym, indicating a feeling of excitement or expectation about something that is going to happen.

an anticipation of

Adding the preposition 'of' clarifies that the feeling is directed toward a specific event or outcome.

a sense of anticipation

Highlights the feeling or awareness that something is about to happen, emphasizing the emotional aspect of "an expectation".

a prediction

Similar to forecast, focusing on foretelling future events or outcomes, with a level of assumed accuracy.

a strong belief

Emphasizes the conviction that something is likely to occur, making it a firmer form of "an expectation".

a presumption

Implies a belief that something is true or will happen, often without concrete evidence, making it a slightly weaker form of "an expectation".

a prospect

Indicates a possibility or likelihood of something happening in the future, similar to anticipation but with emphasis on potential.

a hope

Expresses a desire or wish for something to happen, which is a less certain form of anticipation than "an expectation".

an assumption

Suggests taking something for granted or supposing it to be true without proof, which can underlie "an expectation".

a forecast

Refers to a prediction or estimate of future events, usually based on data or expert opinion, differing from "an expectation" in its grounding.

FAQs

How can I use "an expectation" in a sentence?

You can use "an expectation" to express a belief or anticipation about a future event or outcome. For example: "There is "an expectation" that the project will be completed by the end of the month".

What are some alternatives to saying "an expectation"?

You can use alternatives like "a hope", "a presumption", or "an anticipation" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "an expectation" and "a wish"?

"An expectation" implies a reasonable belief that something will happen, while "a wish" is a desire for something that may or may not be realistic. "An expectation" is based on some degree of certainty or evidence.

Is it correct to use "an expectation" in formal writing?

Yes, "an expectation" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a standard and grammatically correct phrase that can be used in various professional and academic contexts.