expectation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'expectation' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a strong belief that something will occur, or to describe something that is desired or hoped for. For example: "I had high expectations for the movie, but it failed to meet them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To them it's in their mindset that you should expect it, it was an expectation not a shock," she said.

The Guardian - Sport

We named her Olga and Dad triumphantly joked that if Australians expected Italian goatherds, he'd indulge that expectation, too.

The Guardian - Opinion

Importantly for Clark he now carries nothing like the weight of expectation he had at Melbourne, for whom – no matter what anyone says of his departure – he always tried valiantly.

The Guardian - Sport

It goes without saying that the football world always has its eyes firmly fixed on number one draft picks, a level of expectation and attention that could get the better of even the strongest mind.

The Guardian - Sport

The expectation in Brussels is that Vestager will rule on the four cases by next summer.

The Guardian

UK bond yields are low because growth is so appalling that the markets have no expectation that the monetary policy committee will be able to raise interest rates for years, and because we have our own central bank that can initiate quantitative easing.

The Guardian - Opinion

In probing the pressures of expectation and prevailing scepticism in the British arts scene, Leigh has made a film about as self-reflective (and self-reflexive) as handsome heritage cinema can be.

The Guardian - Film

The general expectation is that he will win.

The Guardian - Opinion

The rise of the Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale and the Arsenal playmaker Aaron Ramsey, not to mention a healthy sprinkling of solid Premier League performers, has taken expectation levels in Wales to new heights as Coleman's squad start out on the road to Euro 2016 in the tiny football outpost.

The Guardian - Sport

It used to be that everyone was trained like prison guards but the Children Act 1989 brought with it an expectation that teachers should be trained in methods appropriate to a school environment.

The Guardian

Has QE created an expectation that the Federal Reserve can now meddle in the markets with trillions of dollars of muscle, complicating things for normal money managers?

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expectation" to clearly convey a belief about what will happen or is likely to happen. Be specific about whose "expectation" you are referring to and the basis for that "expectation".

Common error

Avoid setting unrealistic "expectations", as this can lead to disappointment and frustration. Ensure that "expectations" are grounded in reality and based on reasonable assumptions.

Linguistic Context

The word "expectation" functions primarily as a noun, representing a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

30%

Opinion

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expectation" is a versatile noun widely used to convey anticipation or belief about future events. As affirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in diverse contexts, particularly in news, sports, and opinion pieces, highlight its significance in both formal and informal communication. While "expectation" is used correctly in various contexts, it's crucial to maintain realistic anticipations to prevent disappointment. Alternative terms like "anticipation" or "prospect" offer nuanced variations for expressing similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anticipation

Focuses on the act of looking forward to something, often with excitement or eagerness.

prospect

Highlights the possibility or likelihood of a future event, often related to success or opportunity.

outlook

Emphasizes a general view or forecast of what is likely to happen in the future.

forecast

Implies a more formal or calculated prediction of a future event.

prediction

Refers to a specific statement about what will happen in the future, often based on evidence or analysis.

hope

Expresses a desire for a particular outcome, often without a strong basis for believing it will happen.

belief

Indicates a conviction that something is true or will happen, often based on personal experience or faith.

assumption

Suggests taking something for granted as true or likely to happen, often without proof.

presumption

Similar to assumption, but may imply a greater degree of confidence or arrogance.

calculation

Highlights a reasoned estimation or forecast, often based on quantitative data.

FAQs

How can I use "expectation" in a sentence?

You can use "expectation" to describe a belief that something will happen or is likely to happen. For example, "There is a general expectation that he will win".

What are some synonyms for "expectation"?

Synonyms for "expectation" include "anticipation", "prospect", and "outlook", each carrying slightly different nuances.

How does "expectation" differ from "hope"?

"Expectation" implies a stronger belief or likelihood based on evidence, while "hope" is a desire for a particular outcome, even if it's unlikely.

Is it correct to say "I have high expectations"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. The phrase "I have high expectations" is commonly used to express that one anticipates a positive or successful outcome.