didn't expect

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "didn't expect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something happened that you were not prepared for. Example: I didn't expect to be asked such difficult questions during the interview.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I didn't expect the expectation".

The New York Times - Magazine

I didn't expect that".

The New York Times

Totally didn't expect that.

Independent

I didn't expect.

The New Yorker

"I didn't expect this".

The New York Times

I didn't expect illness.

The New York Times - Magazine

He didn't expect a reply.

The New Yorker

I certainly didn't expect that.

The Economist

"I didn't expect to play.

The New York Times - Sports

The Germans didn't expect this.

The New Yorker

Oh, we didn't expect that.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "didn't expect" to express surprise or a lack of anticipation regarding an event, outcome, or situation. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as noted by Ludwig.

Common error

Avoid using "didn't expect" when you mean 'suspect' or 'assume'. "Didn't expect" implies surprise, while suspecting or assuming suggests a prior belief, even if incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "didn't expect" functions as a declarative statement expressing a lack of anticipation or surprise regarding a particular event or outcome. As supported by Ludwig, it communicates that something occurred that was not foreseen.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "didn't expect" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey surprise or a lack of anticipation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its usage is generally straightforward, it's essential to distinguish its meaning from related terms like "suspect" or "assume", which imply some degree of prior belief. Consider using alternatives like "had not foreseen" or "was not anticipating" for a more formal tone or "was taken by surprise" to emphasize the element of surprise. With its high frequency and wide applicability, mastering the use of "didn't expect" enhances clarity and precision in both written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was not anticipating

Similar to "didn't expect", but with a slightly more active sense of anticipation.

had not foreseen

Emphasizes a lack of foresight or the inability to predict a particular outcome.

was taken by surprise by

Highlights the element of surprise, indicating that something unexpected occurred.

didn't see coming

An informal way of saying something was not anticipated.

was unprepared for

Focuses on the lack of readiness for something, implying a similar sense of surprise.

never imagined

Indicates a complete absence of prior consideration or expectation.

had no anticipation of

Replaces "didn't expect" with a more formal expression emphasizing the complete absence of prior anticipation.

it was unexpected

Shifts the focus to the unexpected nature of the event itself, rather than the lack of expectation.

had no inkling of

Suggests a complete lack of awareness or premonition.

was oblivious to

Highlights a state of unawareness regarding the impending event.

FAQs

How can I use "didn't expect" in a sentence?

You can use "didn't expect" to express surprise about something. For instance, "I "didn't expect" to see you here!"

What's a more formal way to say "didn't expect"?

For a more formal tone, consider phrases like "had not foreseen" or "was not anticipating". These alternatives, like "didn't expect", suggest a lack of prior knowledge or preparation.

Is it ever wrong to use "didn't expect"?

While generally correct, avoid using "didn't expect" when you actually had a suspicion or assumption, however misguided. "Didn't expect" implies a complete lack of anticipation.

What can I say instead of "didn't expect" to emphasize surprise?

To emphasize surprise, use phrases like "was taken by surprise by" or "never imagined". These options highlight the unexpected nature of the event.