do not expect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not expect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to advise someone not to have certain anticipations or assumptions about a situation. Example: "In this project, do not expect immediate results; it will take time to see the benefits of our efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do not expect speed.

The New York Times - Food

Do not expect surprises.

The Economist

They do not expect cool.

The New York Times

But do not expect miracles.

The Economist

"Do not expect such miracles.

The New Yorker

Do not expect lumbar punctures; do not expect "House".

The New York Times - Arts

Do not expect a repeat.

The New York Times

Do not expect my payment.

The New Yorker

But do not expect a revolution.

Independent

Do not expect it to last, though.

The New York Times

Do not expect pictures of Martians, though.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "do not expect", be specific about what should not be anticipated to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Do not expect immediate results", try "Do not expect to see noticeable changes within the first week".

Common error

Avoid using "do not expect" without providing context or alternatives. Saying "Do not expect success" without offering potential strategies or adjustments can be discouraging. Instead, offer guidance: "Do not expect immediate success; focus on incremental improvements and consistent effort".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not expect" functions as a directive, often used to set realistic expectations or to caution against anticipating certain outcomes. Ludwig indicates that it is a common and grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

18%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Science

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do not expect" is a grammatically correct and versatile construction used to manage expectations and caution against anticipating certain outcomes. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's prevalent across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academia and Wiki sources. Alternatives like "do not anticipate" or "do not presume" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using "do not expect", it's best practice to provide specific context to avoid ambiguity and potentially offer guidance to prevent discouragement. The phrase's neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not anticipate

Focuses on preemptively countering expectations, implying readiness for potential outcomes.

do not presume

Emphasizes caution against making assumptions without sufficient evidence or justification.

do not assume

Highlights the importance of avoiding unfounded beliefs or guesses about a situation.

do not count on

Suggests that something is unreliable or unlikely to occur, advising against depending on it.

do not rely on

Indicates that depending on something is risky or not advisable due to its uncertainty.

do not bank on

Informal expression suggesting that relying on something is unwise or potentially disastrous.

refrain from expecting

Formally advises against fostering certain expectations to avoid disappointment or false hope.

temper your expectations

Encourages a balanced and moderate approach to expectations, aiming for realism.

lower your expectations

Suggests that one's current expectations are too high and should be adjusted to a more realistic level.

it's unlikely to happen

States that something is improbable or has a low chance of occurring, setting realistic expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "do not expect" in a sentence?

You can use "do not expect" to manage expectations by clarifying what is unlikely to happen. For example, "Do not expect miracles; hard work and dedication are key to success".

What are some alternatives to "do not expect"?

Alternatives include phrases like "do not anticipate", "do not presume", or "do not count on", which convey similar meanings depending on the context.

What's the difference between "do not expect" and "do not hope"?

"Do not expect" advises against anticipating a specific outcome, while "do not hope" discourages wishing for something. Expectation implies a degree of anticipation, whereas hope reflects a desire. For example, "Do not expect a quick fix" versus "Do not hope for an easy solution".

Is it better to say "do not expect" or "should not expect"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "do not expect" is more direct and common in everyday language. "Should not expect" can sound slightly more formal or like advice. For instance, "Do not expect a personal response" is more straightforward than "You should not expect a personal response".