expecting to play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expecting to play" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the anticipation or belief that one will participate in a game or performance. Example: "The team is expecting to play in the championship game next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

We're expecting to play pretty well".

Independent

"I'm expecting to play Sunday," Baas said..

The New York Times - Sports

I'm expecting to play like this".

The New York Times - Sports

I wasn't expecting to play here.

The New York Times - Sports

Nobody will be expecting to play, we'll all have to fight, but I love the competition".

Independent

"I wasn't expecting to play in the big leagues right now," he admitted.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Both are expected to play.

The New York Times - Sports

He had expected to play.

The New York Times - Sports

Do I expect to play?

The New York Times - Sports

Stoudemire is expected to play.

The New Yorker

"I didn't expect to play.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "expecting to play" when you want to convey a sense of anticipation or planned participation in a game, performance, or other activity. For example, "The team is expecting to play their best game of the season."

Common error

Avoid using "hope to play" when you actually mean "expecting to play". "Hoping" implies a desire, whereas "expecting" suggests a stronger belief or certainty based on planning or circumstance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expecting to play" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It combines the verb 'expecting' (in its present participle form, indicating a state or anticipation) with the infinitive 'to play'. This structure describes the anticipation or anticipation of participating in a game, match, or performance. As Ludwig AI explains, this is a common and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expecting to play" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to express the anticipation or planned participation in a game, match, or other activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, often relating to sports and performance events. While "expecting to play" has a neutral register, it conveys a stronger sense of certainty than similar phrases like "hoping to play". Understanding its nuances and using it correctly ensures clear and effective communication. As seen in the examples from Ludwig, it appears with great frequency in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expecting to participate

A broader term than "play", covering different kind of engagements.

looking forward to playing

Expresses a positive sentiment of eagerness about playing.

anticipating participation

Focuses on the anticipation of being involved, rather than specifically playing.

due to play

Indicates that playing is an obligation or expectation based on a schedule.

intending to play

Focuses on the intention and purpose of playing.

planning to participate

Emphasizes the planning aspect of taking part in something.

set to compete

Implies a competitive environment and a definite plan to participate.

prepared to play

Highlights readiness and preparedness for playing.

scheduled to perform

More formal, suggesting that the playing is part of a scheduled event or performance.

aiming to participate

Emphasizes striving and aiming towards involvement.

FAQs

How to use "expecting to play" in a sentence?

You can use "expecting to play" to indicate an anticipation of participating in a game or activity. For example, "The quarterback is expecting to play in Sunday's game after recovering from his injury."

What can I say instead of "expecting to play"?

You can use alternatives like "looking forward to playing", "anticipating participation", or "planning to participate depending on the context".

Which is correct, "expecting to play" or "expecting playing"?

"Expecting to play" is the correct form. The infinitive form "to play" should be used after "expecting", not the gerund "playing".

What's the difference between "expecting to play" and "hoping to play"?

"Expecting to play" suggests a higher degree of certainty or anticipation based on preparation or circumstance, whereas "hoping to play" implies a desire or wish but with less certainty. For example, a player cleared by the doctor is "expecting to play", while a player recovering from injury might be "hoping to play".