expect an answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"expect an answer" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when asking someone to respond to a question or request. Example: "I have sent you an email with some important information. Please expect an answer from me within the next 24 hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Don't expect an answer.

The New York Times

I do not expect an answer to this question.

The Guardian - Opinion

He would ask them "How are you doing?" and expect an answer.

The New York Times

He is applying for disability, but knows that he cannot expect an answer anytime soon.

The New York Times

"What have you got there?" she asked, a rhetorical question to which she did not expect an answer.

The New Yorker

Customers asking for a loan can expect an answer within 20 minutes.Being in the right businesses also helps.

The Economist

However, said brain isn't, given my enormity, as big as you'd think, so I don't expect an answer soon".

The Guardian - Sport

Another time he called out, "When I ask a question, I expect an answer to my question".

The New York Times - Sports

Don't expect an answer to the riddle of life, but it will do nicely for an hour.

The New York Times

Some 72% of people who complain to a brand on Twitter expect an answer within an hour.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He expected an answer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting deadlines, clearly state when you "expect an answer" to ensure timely responses.

Common error

Don't use "expect an answer" when you simply want to inform someone, not necessarily requiring a reply. Be clear about whether a response is actually needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expect an answer" functions as a verb phrase where 'expect' is the verb expressing anticipation and 'an answer' is the noun phrase representing the object of that anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its standard use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expect an answer" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the anticipation of receiving a response. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in writing. It's versatile, appearing in various contexts from news articles to business communications. While widely applicable, it's important to use it deliberately, ensuring you genuinely require a response and not merely providing information. Related phrases include "await a response" and "anticipate a reply", offering similar meanings with slight differences in emphasis. Remember to clearly communicate when you "expect an answer" to manage expectations effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

await a response

Focuses on the action of waiting for a reply, emphasizing the anticipation.

anticipate a reply

Highlights the expectation and anticipation of receiving a response.

look forward to a response

Expresses a positive sentiment of eagerness while waiting for an answer.

count on a reply

Implies a reliance or dependence on receiving an answer.

presume a response

Suggests assuming that a response will be given.

hope for an answer

Indicates a desire or wish to receive a response.

look to receive feedback

Highlights the expectation of getting feedback as a response.

await feedback

Focuses specifically on waiting for feedback as a form of response.

count on a resolution

Implies anticipating a solution or outcome as a response.

presume feedback

Suggests assuming you will get feedback.

FAQs

How to use "expect an answer" in a sentence?

You can use "expect an answer" to indicate you anticipate a response to a question or request. For example, "I sent the proposal yesterday, so I "expect an answer" by next week."

What can I say instead of "expect an answer"?

You can use alternatives like "await a response", "anticipate a reply", or "look forward to a response" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "expect an answer" or "expect for an answer"?

"Expect an answer" is correct. The preposition "for" is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in this context. You "expect an answer", not "expect for an answer".

What's the difference between "expect an answer" and "demand an answer"?

"Expect an answer" implies anticipation of a response, while "demand an answer" suggests a forceful request and insistence on receiving a response.