expected the documents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expected the documents" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to anticipating the arrival or receipt of documents in a specific context, such as business or legal matters. Example: "We expected the documents to arrive by the end of the week, but they have not yet been received."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The hack's effect on the election was enormous, but the backlash from American media and officials was greater than expected, the documents suggest.

TechCrunch

An e-mail dated as early as November 2008 among New York Fed lawyers included the comment "I don't think any of us expected" the documents would become public.

Forbes

An e-mail message dated as early as November 2008 among New York Fed lawyers included the comment, "I don't think any of us expected" the documents would become public.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Even in 2008, when the security agreement requiring a complete withdrawal by the end of 2011 was passed, officials said privately that they expected the document to be amended to allow a longer military presence.

The New York Times

She said that she would prefer the governing council submit the declaration for up-or-down approval in a referendum, but that if it did not pass as expected, the document would derive its legitimacy from the authority of the governing military council.

The New York Times

And those customers' deposits were also growing more slowly than expected the document stated.

TechCrunch

As could be expected, the document contained all kinds of helpful ideas, including wearing pajamas that are hard to get into.

Huffington Post

Officials expect the document to become effective Dec. 1, after the Czech Republic's formal ratification documents are presented to the European Union.

The New York Times

Although the document will weigh in with scores of recommendations on housing, land preservation, road construction, mass transit, zoning and emergency preparation -- virtually every public issue facing the Island -- not even Dr. Koppelman expects the document to effect much change.

The New York Times

"You could draw a lot of conclusions" from the research, said Russell H. Miller, an SCA partner who had expected the study to document just how much tenure had dropped.

The New York Times

HONG KONG ― China's National People's Congress, the rubber-stamp Parliament operating under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, closed its annual session Wednesday after having approved, as expected, all the documents submitted by the government.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expected the documents" when the arrival or availability of the documents was reasonably certain or predicted based on prior arrangements or circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "expected the documents" when there was significant doubt or uncertainty about whether the documents would be provided. In such cases, use phrases like "hoped for" or "wished for" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expected the documents" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of anticipating or presuming the arrival or availability of specific documents. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. The examples show it used in contexts where individuals or organizations were waiting for certain official papers.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expected the documents" is grammatically sound and used to express anticipation of receiving specific documents, as validated by Ludwig AI. While not overly common, it appears primarily in news and media contexts, with some usage in science. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the context makes it clear who anticipated the documents and the basis for that expectation. Alternatives like "anticipated receiving the documents" or "were awaiting the documents" can provide similar meaning. Overall, "expected the documents" is suitable for neutral and formal writing, conveying a sense of reasonable certainty about document receipt.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anticipated receiving the documents

Focuses on the anticipation of getting the documents.

had anticipated the documents

Similar to 'anticipated receiving', focusing on prior expectation.

were awaiting the documents

Highlights the act of waiting for the documents.

expected the documents to be delivered

Adds the element of delivery to the expectation.

presumed the documents would arrive

Emphasizes the presumption of their arrival.

looked forward to the documents

Highlights the positive anticipation of receiving the documents.

counted on getting the documents

Emphasizes reliance on receiving the documents.

were counting on the documents

Stresses the dependence on the documents.

believed the documents would be available

Highlights the belief in the documents' accessibility.

assumed the documents were coming

Focuses on the assumption of their imminent arrival.

FAQs

What is an alternative to "expected the documents"?

You can use phrases like "anticipated receiving the documents", "were awaiting the documents", or "presumed the documents would arrive".

How can I use "expected the documents" in a sentence?

Example: "The legal team expected the documents to arrive before the court hearing."

What does it mean to expect documents?

To "expect the documents" means to anticipate receiving or having access to specific documents, usually based on prior arrangements, promises, or logical assumptions.

What's the difference between "expected the documents" and "hoped for the documents"?

"Expected the documents" implies a reasonable certainty or anticipation, while "hoped for the documents" suggests a desire but with less certainty of receiving them.