expecting the worst

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expecting the worst" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is usually used to describe someone who is anticipating or preparing for the worst possible outcome in a situation. Example: "After the string of bad luck she had been experiencing, Sarah couldn't help but feel like she was constantly expecting the worst." In this sentence, "expecting the worst" conveys that Sarah is anticipating more negative events in the future based on her recent experiences.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was expecting the worst".

The New York Times

He was expecting the worst.

The New York Times

North is expecting the worst.

The Guardian - Sport

So I was expecting the worst".

The New York Times

Even rural counties are expecting the worst.

The New York Times

"I was going there expecting the worst," Snedeker said.

The New York Times - Sports

The dog was huge, and I was expecting the worst.

The New York Times

"What's the score?" I said, expecting the worst.

The New York Times

"I hope not, but I'm expecting the worst".

The New York Times

"And we're expecting the worst spring on record".

The New York Times

She looks pained, as if expecting the worst.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Balance "expecting the worst" with strategies for mitigating potential negative outcomes. This demonstrates a proactive approach rather than mere resignation.

Common error

Avoid consistently using "expecting the worst" without exploring potential positive outcomes or neutral scenarios. Overuse can create a monotonous and overly negative tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expecting the worst" functions as a verbal phrase, often used as part of a predicate to describe a state of mind or anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expecting the worst" is a common expression used to describe a pessimistic outlook or anticipation of negative outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, especially in news and media. While it carries a negative connotation, it can also indicate preparedness. Alternatives include "anticipating misfortune" and "preparing for the worst-case scenario". When using this phrase, it's important to provide context and consider balancing it with potential positive outcomes to avoid an overly negative tone. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight its versatility and application in real-world scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preparing for the worst-case scenario

This emphasizes planning for the most unfavorable possible situation.

anticipating misfortune

This alternative focuses on the act of foreseeing negative events, adding a sense of active expectation.

foreseeing a negative outcome

This is a more formal alternative, highlighting the prediction of an unfavorable result.

looking ahead with pessimism

This conveys a negative outlook when considering future events, focusing on the lack of optimism.

bracing for a catastrophe

This suggests preparing for a significant disaster, implying a higher degree of severity than "expecting the worst".

assuming the bleakest outlook

This focuses on adopting a pessimistic perspective, emphasizing the negativity of the expectation.

resigned to a bad result

This suggests acceptance of a poor outcome, implying a lack of hope for improvement.

dreading what's to come

This highlights the fear and anxiety associated with anticipating negative future events.

imagining the direst consequences

This emphasizes the act of visualizing the most severe possible repercussions.

fearing the inevitable downfall

This suggests a belief that failure or collapse is unavoidable, adding a sense of impending doom.

FAQs

How can I use "expecting the worst" in a sentence?

You can use "expecting the worst" to describe a state of mind where someone anticipates a negative outcome. For example, "After the company announced potential layoffs, many employees were "expecting the worst"."

What's the difference between "expecting the worst" and "hoping for the best"?

"Expecting the worst" implies a pessimistic outlook, anticipating negative outcomes, while ""hoping for the best"" suggests an optimistic view, wishing for positive results, despite the odds.

What can I say instead of "expecting the worst"?

You can use alternatives like "anticipating misfortune", "preparing for the worst-case scenario", or "foreseeing a negative outcome" depending on the context.

Is "expecting the worst" always negative?

While "expecting the worst" generally has a negative connotation, it can also be seen as a form of preparedness. By anticipating potential problems, individuals or organizations can develop contingency plans and mitigate risks.