expect to possess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expect to possess" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing anticipated ownership or control over something in the future. Example: "In this course, students can expect to possess a deeper understanding of the subject matter by the end of the semester."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The moment you hit upload, you've given away almost every right you might expect to possess over what's "yours".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Those qualities are what senior military personnel are expected to possess.

The New York Times

If Lemieux is expected to possess magic in the postseason, he also is expected to create it with his linemates.

The New York Times - Sports

All are healthy and playing now, though not with the talent they had been expected to possess.

The New York Times - Sports

French Presidents are expected to possess an aura of aesthetic and intellectual refinement that dignifies the nation.

The New Yorker

Yet it is also noteworthy that where the European fairytale heroine was merely expected to be beautiful, a desirable Muslim maiden is also expected to possess intelligence.

The Guardian - Books

As a consequence of travel, for example, I have more knowledge of the thread count of bed sheets than the average male should be expected to possess.

The New York Times

New graduates seeking a career in marketing are now expected to possess a much broader set of skills than previously required.

The Guardian

At the outbreak of World War I, military pilots were used mainly for reconnaissance work and were not expected to possess any knowledge of aerobatics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These days daytime presenters are expected to possess some additional real-life qualifications - a facility for arithmetic, some knowledge of antiques, a bronze medal in the high jump - so that everybody at home feels as if they're learning something.

The Guardian

But the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, in revising its security rules, decided not to require that plants be able to defend themselves against groups carrying the most dangerous sort of weapons, even though these were just the sort of weapons the N.R.C.'s staff had concluded that terrorists could be expected to possess.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "expect to possess", ensure that the subject has a reasonable basis for their expectation. Avoid using it for mere wishful thinking.

Common error

Avoid using "expect to possess" when the likelihood of actually gaining possession is low or uncertain. Use more tentative language instead, such as "hope to possess" or "aim to acquire".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expect to possess" functions as an infinitive phrase that describes an anticipated state of ownership or capability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "expect to possess" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that conveys a sense of confident anticipation of acquiring or holding something. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's important to note its slightly formal tone, which makes it particularly suitable for professional and academic contexts. Alternative phrases, such as "anticipate having" or "expect to have", may be more appropriate in casual settings. When using this phrase, ensure there's a reasonable basis for the expectation and avoid overstating the certainty of acquiring the item or skill in question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expect to have

A more direct and common alternative, focusing on the expectation of possession.

anticipate having

Emphasizes the anticipation of an experience rather than ownership.

look forward to owning

Conveys a sense of pleasure and expectation regarding future possession.

intend to own

Focuses on the intention of ownership, rather than the anticipation.

count on receiving

Suggests a strong belief and reliance on obtaining something.

foresee acquiring

A more formal term, implies a reasoned expectation of obtaining something.

hope to gain

Expresses a desire and expectation of obtaining something, often implying less certainty.

plan to acquire

Indicates a deliberate intent and preparation to gain possession.

aim to secure

Highlights the effort and goal of obtaining something, often in a competitive context.

await the acquisition of

A more passive and formal way of expressing the anticipation of obtaining something.

FAQs

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

You can use "expect to possess" to describe an anticipated future ownership or capability. For instance, "Graduates "expect to possess" valuable skills after completing their degree".

What can I say instead of "expect to possess"?

Alternatives include "anticipate having", "expect to have", or "look forward to owning", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "expect to possess" or "expect to have"?

"Expect to possess" is generally considered more formal than "expect to have". The former implies a more deliberate or official expectation.

When is it appropriate to use "expect to possess" over other alternatives?

Use "expect to possess" when you want to convey a sense of justified anticipation and potential control or ownership, especially in formal or professional contexts. In casual settings, "expect to have" may be more suitable.