expect to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"expect to be" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English, and can be used in the present or future tense.
For example: "We expect to be done with our project by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Expect to be surprised.

Harvard University

Expect to be hungry.

The Guardian

Expect to be overwhelmed.

The New York Times - Sports

Expect to be moved.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expect to be humbled by their exploits.

The New York Times - Travel

"We didn't expect to be 10th.

The New York Times - Sports

And I wouldn't expect to be".

The New York Times - Sports

Privately, MDC leaders expect to be persecuted.

The Economist

Both expect to be in the triathlon.

The New York Times

Certainly they can expect to be busy.

The New York Times - Travel

Expect to be stirred, not shaken.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expect to be" when you want to convey a sense of anticipation or anticipation of a future state based on current information or trends. For example, "Given the current growth rate, we "expect to be" profitable by next quarter."

Common error

Avoid using "expect to be" when you actually mean "hope to be". "Expect to be" implies a higher degree of certainty based on evidence, while "hope to be" simply conveys a desire. Using the wrong phrase can mislead your audience about the likelihood of an event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expect to be" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used as part of a larger verb construction to express future expectations or anticipated states. This usage is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples of its application in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expect to be" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that serves to express anticipation or a prediction about a future state or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and wide applicability are evident in its frequent appearance across diverse contexts, ranging from formal academic writing to everyday news and media. When using "expect to be", it's important to differentiate it from similar phrases like "hope to be", which conveys a wish rather than a confident expectation. While alternatives such as "anticipate being" and "foresee being" exist, they often carry a more formal tone. The sources analyzed highlight the phrase's prevalence in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki contexts, underscoring its broad utility in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anticipate being

This alternative uses a more formal verb and emphasizes the act of foreseeing or predicting a future state.

foresee being

Similar to "anticipate being", but implies a clearer or more definite view of the future situation.

plan to be

Focuses on intention and active preparation, rather than passive expectation.

intend to be

Emphasizes purpose and determination, highlighting the speaker's aim.

presume to be

Suggests an assumption based on probability or likelihood, rather than certain knowledge.

assume to be

Similar to "presume to be", but can imply a weaker or less informed basis for the assumption.

count on being

Indicates reliance or confidence in a particular outcome or state.

rely on being

Similar to "count on being", emphasizing dependence on something or someone.

look forward to being

Expresses anticipation and pleasure regarding a future event or situation.

hope to be

Conveys a desire or wish for a particular outcome, without certainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "expect to be" to express anticipation or anticipation of a future state. For example, "They "expect to be" finished with the project by Friday" or "We "expect to be" on time for the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "expect to be"?

Alternatives to "expect to be" include "anticipate being", "foresee being", or "plan to be". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to use "anticipate being" instead of "expect to be"?

Yes, "anticipate being" generally carries a more formal tone than "expect to be". The choice depends on the formality of your context and audience.

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

"Expect to be" suggests a higher degree of confidence or anticipation based on current information or trends, while "hope to be" expresses a desire or wish for a particular outcome without certainty.