expect to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expect to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to express the idea that an action is likely to occur in the future. For example: "We expect to have the project finished by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We expect to win.

The New York Times - Sports

"They expect to score.

The New York Times - Sports

They expect to win".

The New York Times - Sports

I expect to return.

The New Yorker

Don't expect to remember.

The New York Times

"You expect to hear that".

The New York Times - Sports

Do I expect to play?

The New York Times - Sports

"I didn't expect to play.

The New York Times - Sports

"They don't expect to lose.

The New York Times

They expect to find more.

The New York Times

"I expect to see more.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To convey a sense of inevitability or strong certainty, you can replace "expect to" with "are bound to" or "are sure to".

Common error

Avoid using "expect to" in situations that require a completed action. For example, instead of "I expect to have finished the report yesterday", use "I expected to finish the report yesterday" or "I was supposed to finish the report yesterday".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expect to" primarily functions as a modal verb phrase. It is used to express anticipation, likelihood, or a belief that something will happen in the future. As supported by Ludwig AI, it is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expect to" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate anticipation or a belief that something will happen. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Predominantly found in news, media and wiki sources, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts. When using "expect to", ensure that you have a reasonable basis for your expectation and avoid misusing it in past tense constructions. Consider alternatives like "anticipate" or "foresee" for a more formal tone. Ultimately, "expect to" is a reliable and effective way to convey your predictions and expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

predict

This is a straightforward term for stating what one believes will happen.

anticipate

This is a shorter, more formal way of expressing expectation.

look forward to

This suggests a positive anticipation of something.

foresee

This indicates a prediction based on some insight or knowledge.

count on

This implies reliance on something happening.

assume

This suggests believing something will happen without concrete proof.

presume

Similar to assume, but often implies a legal or formal context.

believe

This denotes a strong feeling that something is true or will happen.

hope

This expresses a desire with expectation.

await

This is a more formal term for waiting for something to happen.

FAQs

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

Use "expect to" to express an anticipation or belief about a future event or action. For example, "We "expect to win" the game" or "I "expect to see you" there".

What's a more formal way to say "expect to"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "anticipate" or "foresee". For example, instead of "I expect to receive the package soon", you could say "I "anticipate" receiving the package soon".

Is it correct to say "I am expecting to"?

Yes, "I am expecting to" is grammatically correct and often used to describe an ongoing anticipation. For example, "I am expecting to hear from them later today".

What's the difference between "hope to" and "expect to"?

"Hope to" expresses a desire for something to happen, while "expect to" implies a belief or anticipation that something will happen. You "hope to" win the lottery, but you might "expect to receive a salary" for your work.