anxiously expecting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anxiously expecting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a state of nervous anticipation or eagerness for something to happen. Example: "She was anxiously expecting the results of her job interview, hoping for good news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I stepped off the plane anxiously, expecting to be butchered at once and fed to lions.

The Guardian - Tech

There were, after all, thousands of children out front already anxiously expecting them, and the Wiggles are nothing if not respectful of their audiences.

Independent

For seven days they rowed back and forth across the raging Drichu, with those still left waiting on the eastern bank anxiously expecting Chinese soldiers to ambush them any moment.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

General Firmin is anxiously expected but is still in Porto Rico.

The New York Times

And here's the key quote from President Barroso: Now is the time to step up the fundamental economic reforms that will deliver growth and jobs, which our citizens, especially our young people, anxiously expect.

The Guardian - Business

Money on my mind, I anxiously expected my adviser to sadly explain that all of the programs would be beyond my budget.

Huffington Post

The backbone of these fairytales persists within contemporary novels and movies, making our reading or cinema-going a fundamentally optimistic venture: when we hear 'once upon a time', we've come to expect –and anxiously await – a 'happily ever after'".

The Guardian - Books

"I was hoping I'd see you here," he said, more anxiously than I expected.

Vice

Cooke waited anxiously at a Manhattan hotel, expecting his name to be called in the lower part of the first round or early in the second.

The New York Times - Sports

I anxiously await the film.

The New York Times - Magazine

We anxiously await your response, The Groundhogs.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "anxiously expecting" when you want to convey both anticipation and a degree of worry or nervousness about an upcoming event or outcome. It's suitable when the expectation is tinged with uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "anxiously expecting" when the situation only involves positive anticipation. Using a simpler term like "eagerly anticipating" is more appropriate when there's no underlying worry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anxiously expecting" functions as an adverbial modifier ("anxiously") followed by a verb ("expecting"), creating a compound verb phrase. It describes the manner in which someone is anticipating something. According to Ludwig, this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "anxiously expecting" is a grammatically sound way to describe a state of nervous anticipation, as affirmed by Ludwig. While not a very common phrase, it's perfectly appropriate when you want to highlight both the anticipation and the underlying anxiety associated with an upcoming event. Ludwig examples primarily come from "News & Media" sources. Remember to avoid overusing "anxiously" when simple eagerness is all that's intended; "eagerly anticipating" might be a better fit in those situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anxiously anticipating

Similar meaning, uses a different verb form.

nervously anticipating

Highlights the nervousness aspect of the expectation.

eagerly awaiting

Emphasizes positive anticipation more than anxiety.

worriedly awaiting

Emphasizes worry and concern while waiting.

in a state of anxious anticipation

More formal and descriptive.

expecting with trepidation

Highlights fear or apprehension.

keenly expecting

Focuses more on the eagerness of the expectation.

apprehensively waiting for

Focuses on a sense of foreboding or worry.

waiting with bated breath

Emphasizes excitement and suspense.

on tenterhooks

An idiom expressing a state of suspense and anxiety.

FAQs

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

You can use "anxiously expecting" to describe a state of nervous anticipation or eagerness. For example: "She was anxiously expecting the results of her job interview."

What are some alternatives to "anxiously expecting"?

Alternatives include "nervously anticipating", "eagerly awaiting", or "apprehensively waiting for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "anxiously expecting" grammatically correct?

Yes, "anxiously expecting" is grammatically correct and follows standard English grammar rules.

When is it appropriate to use "anxiously expecting" instead of "eagerly anticipating"?

Use "anxiously expecting" when you want to emphasize the nervousness or worry associated with the anticipation. If the anticipation is purely positive, "eagerly anticipating" is more suitable.