expect a response

USAGE SUMMARY

"expect a response" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used when expecting or requesting a reply from someone, such as in a business email or letter. For example, "Please provide the necessary information at your earliest convenience. We expect a response by Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They expect a response really quick.

The New York Times

"We expect a response from him tomorrow," he said.

The New York Times

Sochi organizers expect a response in the next day or two.

The Guardian - Sport

Republican delegates can expect a response from the left this week.

The New York Times

People can send e-mails to anyone and expect a response.

The Economist

"He seemed to expect a response, so you ask him what period it is," Mr. McInerney writes.

The New York Times - Style

Details will vary from council to council but in general you should expect a response within eight weeks.

The Guardian - Money

The next part of the approach tactic comes straight from Pavlovian Theory conditioning the mind to expect a response.

The New York Times

"One can certainly also expect a response from South Korea and others in south-east Asia and a rate cut from India's central bank also seems likely".

The Guardian - Business

Two hours stretched into three, and I asked him why he was bothering with this if he did not expect a response.

The New Yorker

Recent figures from Edison Research suggest that 42% of consumers posting a complaint on social expect a response within 60 minutes.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting information, clearly state that you "expect a response" and specify a timeframe to encourage promptness.

Common error

Avoid phrasing your request in a way that sounds overly demanding. Instead of saying "I expect a response immediately", consider "I would appreciate a response as soon as possible" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expect a response" functions as a verb phrase indicating anticipation or requirement of a reply or reaction. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expect a response" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that communicates the anticipation or requirement of a reply. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for a wide range of contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the specific context and audience to ensure the level of formality is appropriate. Alternatives like "await a reply" or "look forward to a response" can offer subtle variations in meaning. When using this phrase, clearly communicate the desired timeframe to encourage a prompt reply.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

await a reply

Uses "await" instead of "expect", indicating a more passive anticipation.

anticipate a reply

Employs "anticipate" which suggests a proactive expectation based on prior knowledge or indications.

look forward to a response

Indicates a positive sentiment toward receiving a response, adding an element of eagerness.

count on a reply

Suggests reliance on receiving a response, implying a higher degree of certainty.

hope for a reply

Expresses a desire for a reply, without necessarily anticipating it strongly.

require a response

Indicates that a response is mandatory or necessary.

demand a response

Conveys a strong insistence on receiving a response, often with an element of authority.

presume a reply

Assumes a reply will be given, often based on established protocol or implicit understanding.

envisage a response

Suggests imagining or foreseeing a response, often in a more formal or analytical context.

be waiting for a response

Highlights the state of waiting, emphasizing the duration until a response is received.

FAQs

How can I use "expect a response" in a professional email?

In professional emails, "expect a response" can be used to politely request a reply. For example, "Please review the attached document and I "expect a response" within five business days."

What's a less direct way to say "expect a response"?

If you prefer a less direct approach, you could say "I would appreciate your feedback", "I'm looking forward to hearing from you", or "Your input would be valuable" instead of ""expect a response"".

Is it appropriate to use "expect a response" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, ""expect a response"" might sound too formal in casual conversation. Consider using phrases like "let me know what you think" or "get back to me when you can" instead.

What's the difference between "await a response" and "expect a response"?

"Await a response" suggests a passive waiting, while ""expect a response"" implies a higher degree of confidence that a reply will be given. Both are appropriate in formal contexts but convey slightly different nuances.