are you expecting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are you expecting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring if someone is anticipating or looking forward to something, often in the context of events or outcomes. Example: "Are you expecting a package to arrive today?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

What are you expecting?

The New York Times

Corner kick: What are you expecting tonight?

The New York Times

He said 'What are you expecting?

The Guardian

"What are you expecting to find there?

The New York Times - Sports

"What time are you expecting?" someone asked.

The Guardian

"How many are you expecting?" I ask.

The New York Times - Style

b) Where? and c) What are you expecting?

The Guardian - Music

And what - a different question, perhaps - are you expecting?

The Guardian - Books

"What time are you expecting to finish in?" he asked.

The New York Times

This Week's Question: How many people are you expecting at your funeral?

The New York Times

Commenters, what are you expecting to see from your state legislatures this year?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your communication when using this phrase. It can range from casual to formal depending on the situation.

Common error

Avoid asking "are you expecting" when the context already implies anticipation. Redundancy can make your writing sound less concise and professional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are you expecting" functions primarily as an interrogative expression. Ludwig AI confirms its use in posing questions about anticipation or future expectations. It invites a response indicating whether someone is anticipating a particular event, outcome, or arrival.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are you expecting" is a commonly used interrogative phrase that inquires about someone's anticipation of a future event or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in the context to avoid ambiguity, and be mindful of potential redundancy. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "do you anticipate" or "what are you anticipating".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do you anticipate

Replaces "expecting" with "anticipate", focusing on a more formal prediction or expectation.

do you foresee

Uses "foresee" instead of "expecting", suggesting a prediction based on insight or knowledge.

what are you anticipating

Focuses on the object of expectation, using "anticipating" to emphasize a proactive sense of readiness.

what do you predict

Employs "predict" to indicate a forecast of a future event or outcome, based on available information.

are you anticipating the arrival of

Adds specificity by mentioning "the arrival of", making the expectation more concrete.

are you awaiting

Uses "awaiting", implying a more passive state of waiting for something to happen.

do you reckon

Replaces "expecting" with "reckon", suggesting an informal opinion or estimation about the future.

what are your expectations

Shifts from questioning an action to inquiring about the general level of anticipation or hope.

what are you hoping for

Focuses on the desired outcome rather than the anticipated one, introducing an element of hope.

what's in store for you

Employs a more idiomatic expression to inquire about the future, suggesting destiny or fate.

FAQs

What does "are you expecting" mean?

The phrase "are you expecting" is used to ask if someone is anticipating or looking forward to something, such as an event, a delivery, or a piece of news.

What can I say instead of "are you expecting"?

You can use alternatives like "do you anticipate", "do you foresee", or "what are you anticipating" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "are you expecting"?

It's appropriate to use "are you expecting" when you want to know if someone is anticipating something in the future, whether it's a specific event or a general outcome.

Is "are you expecting" formal or informal?

"Are you expecting" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "do you anticipate" may be preferred in professional settings.