expect to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expect to do" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when you are anticipating that something will happen and you are making preparations for it. For example, "I expect to do very well on the exam tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We expect to do fine, balanced journalism".

The New Yorker

I expect to do this in pieces.

The New York Times

"We expect to do well".

The New York Times

What did you expect to do?

Princeton University

Expect to do a lot of scrolling.

The New York Times - Tech

We didn't expect to do that".

The New York Times

So I don't expect to do this again.

The New York Times

You don't expect to do much for $70 a year".

The New York Times

And expect to do what they well like.

Independent

Now, he said, "we expect to do well".

The New York Times

"Don't expect to do the impossible," he told them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expect to do" when you have a reasonable basis for anticipating a future action or outcome. It implies a level of confidence based on available information or past experience.

Common error

Avoid using "expect to do" when the outcome is highly uncertain or dependent on external factors beyond your control. In such cases, consider using phrases like "hope to do" or "aim to do" to convey a more realistic level of anticipation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expect to do" functions as an infinitive phrase, expressing anticipation or a reasonable belief about a future action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase adheres to standard English grammar and usage. It connects a subject's anticipation with a subsequent action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expect to do" is a common and grammatically correct way to express anticipation or a reasonable belief about a future action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it's versatile, appearing in news articles, academic papers, and general conversation. Related phrases like "anticipate doing" or "plan to do" can offer nuance depending on the context. When using this phrase, ensure the level of certainty matches the situation, avoiding overuse in highly uncertain scenarios. Use "expect to do" when the outcome is likely based on present information or prior preparation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anticipate doing

Focuses on foreseeing and preparing for an action, similar to expecting but emphasizes proactive planning.

plan to do

Highlights the intentional and pre-arranged nature of the action, emphasizing the planning aspect.

intend to do

Emphasizes a firm decision and purpose to perform the action, suggesting a stronger commitment.

aim to do

Suggests a goal-oriented approach, where the action is directed towards achieving a specific aim.

hope to do

Expresses a desire or wish for the action to occur, implying less certainty than expecting.

look forward to doing

Conveys a sense of eagerness and positive anticipation for the action.

foresee doing

Emphasizes the ability to predict or anticipate the action based on current information.

presume to do

Implies an assumption or belief that the action will occur, often based on prior experience or knowledge.

envisage doing

Focuses on visualizing or imagining the action, often in a future context.

contemplate doing

Suggests a thoughtful consideration or deliberation about performing the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "expect to do" to express an anticipation or reasonable belief about a future action. For example, "I "expect to do" well on the test because I studied hard".

What are some alternatives to "expect to do"?

Some alternatives include "anticipate doing", "plan to do", or "intend to do", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "expect to do" and "hope to do"?

"Expect to do" implies a higher degree of confidence based on available information, while "hope to do" expresses a desire or wish with less certainty. If you "hope to do" something, you want it to happen, but it might not. If you "expect to do" something, you are reasonably confident it will happen.

When should I use "plan to do" instead of "expect to do"?

Use "plan to do" when you want to emphasize the deliberate steps you are taking to ensure something happens. "Plan to do" highlights the preparation, while "expect to do" focuses on the anticipated outcome. For instance, "I "plan to do" my homework before watching TV" indicates active preparation. Conversely, "I "expect to do" well on the exam" focuses on the anticipated result.