begin to expect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin to expect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the start of a process where someone starts to anticipate or look forward to something. Example: "As the project deadline approaches, I begin to expect updates from the team regarding our progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

As you consistently communicate and live by these expectations, other people will begin to expect them, and you'll find yourself having more time for focused work.

Harvard Business Review

You begin to expect the cast-list to be a cocktail menu.

The Guardian

"People may begin to expect low-cost financing at all times," Mr. Hall said.

The New York Times

Employers begin to expect the top-up from government and set their pay accordingly.

The Guardian

Well, in the sense that you begin to expect it morning after morning, yes.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I've raised the bar so high and run so fast that people begin to expect it.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"You almost began to expect the ball to fly back out from the paint," Uzoh said.

The New York Times - Sports

Those who got to know music on a well-tuned piano began to expect the same from an orchestra.

The New Yorker

Many Americans began to expect wars to be short and painless, sweeping away bad regimes and leaving behind better ones.

The New Yorker

Customers are beginning to expect proactive tech.

Forbes

"People began to expect he had been taken in by extremist ideology," he said.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begin to expect" to describe the initial stage of developing an anticipation, especially when a pattern or trend leads to that expectation. For example, "After consistent positive feedback, employees begin to expect regular recognition for their work".

Common error

Avoid using "begin to expect" when a more direct verb like "anticipate" or "assume" would be clearer and more concise. For instance, instead of "They begin to expect a promotion after five years", consider "They anticipate a promotion after five years".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin to expect" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the initial development of an anticipation or expectation. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. This signifies the commencement of a mental process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "begin to expect" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to denote the start of an expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Academic, and Science contexts, showing a neutral to formal register. When using "begin to expect", consider whether a stronger verb might offer more clarity. Remember that it is best used when emphasizing the initial stage of forming an expectation based on emerging patterns or trends.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start anticipating

Emphasizes the initial stage of expecting something but is shorter.

come to anticipate

Focuses on the gradual process of developing an expectation over time.

grow to expect

Similar to "come to expect" but suggests a more natural or organic development of expectation.

anticipate receiving

Specifically refers to the act of expecting to receive something.

look forward to

Indicates a positive expectation and anticipation.

await with anticipation

Highlights a sense of excitement while waiting.

foresee happening

Emphasizes the ability to see something coming in the future.

count on occurring

Expresses a high degree of certainty about something happening.

presume will transpire

A more formal way of saying you expect something to happen.

envisage unfolding

Suggests a mental picture of how events will play out.

FAQs

How can I use "begin to expect" in a sentence?

You can use "begin to expect" to describe the initial phase of developing an expectation based on repeated occurrences or patterns. For example, "Customers "begin to expect" faster delivery times as e-commerce technology improves".

What are some alternatives to "begin to expect"?

Some alternatives include "start anticipating", "come to anticipate", or "grow to expect". The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. For example, "They "start anticipating" changes once the new manager arrives".

What's the difference between "begin to expect" and "expect"?

"Begin to expect" emphasizes the initial stage of forming an expectation, whereas "expect" suggests a more established or certain anticipation. Saying "I "expect" a response" implies a higher degree of certainty than "I "begin to expect" a response".

Is it better to use "begin to expect" or "start to expect"?

Both "begin to expect" and "start to expect" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations. "We "start to expect" delays during peak season" is equally valid as "We "begin to expect" delays during peak season".