expect it to

USAGE SUMMARY

"expect it to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are anticipating something to occur, for example: "I expect it to rain tomorrow, so I'll be sure to bring my umbrella."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They probably didn't expect it to—.

Vice

Expect it to this time.

The Guardian

Should we expect it to?

Independent

People expect it to be there.

The Guardian

"We expect it to break through".

The New York Times

South — don't expect it to happen.

The New York Times - Sports

We expect it to be once again".

The New York Times - Sports

I expect it to be clear.

The New York Times

We expect it to be ratified.

The New York Times - Sports

You'd expect it to be worse.

The New York Times - Sports

"I didn't expect it to work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expect it to", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader.

Common error

A common mistake is using "expect it to" without a clear antecedent for "it". Make sure the noun or situation you're referring to is explicitly stated to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expect it to" functions as a verbal expression used to indicate anticipation or anticipation of a future event or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expect it to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express anticipation or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across various sources, primarily in News & Media. While versatile, clarity is key: ensure 'it' has a clear antecedent to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "anticipate it will" or "foresee it happening" can offer more precision depending on the context. By keeping these points in mind, you can confidently and effectively use "expect it to" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anticipate it will

Focuses on predicting a future event or outcome, which is more specific about the expectation.

foresee it happening

Implies a degree of certainty in predicting an event, adding a nuance of foresight.

presume it would

Indicates an assumption based on probability, slightly reducing the level of confidence.

assume it's going to

Highlights an expectation based on current information, though may lack strong evidence.

count on it occurring

Emphasizes reliance on a specific event to take place, adding a sense of dependence.

rely on it to happen

Underscores dependence on something materializing, often with personal implications.

trust it will

Conveys faith in a future outcome, which adds a layer of confidence and hope.

bank on it materializing

Suggests placing a bet on something coming true, which implies calculated risk.

have faith it'll

Implies a belief in the outcome, often used when the result is uncertain or desired.

bet on it unfolding

Adds a layer of certainty and confidence that an event will take place as anticipated.

FAQs

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

You can use "expect it to" to express an anticipation of a future event or outcome. For example, "I "expect it to" rain tomorrow" or "They "expect it to" be a difficult challenge".

What are some alternatives to "expect it to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "anticipate it will", "foresee it happening", or "presume it would", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to explicitly define what "it" refers to when using "expect it to"?

While not grammatically mandatory, clarifying the antecedent of "it" ensures clarity. Ambiguity can lead to misinterpretation, especially in complex sentences. If necessary, rephrase to directly state the expected outcome.

Can "expect it to" be used in formal writing?

Yes, ""expect it to"" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider whether a more precise alternative, such as "anticipate it will" or "foresee it happening", might better suit the context.