expects to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"expects to be" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It usually refers to someone anticipating or believing that they will become something in the future. Example: Jane studied hard for her exam because she expects to be a doctor one day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And each plant expects to be paid.

The New York Times

"Every player expects to be.

The New York Times - Sports

Jane Goldman expects to be among them.

The New York Times

He expects to be treated fairly.

The New York Times

Nobody expects to be held to account.

The Guardian

Payton, 29, expects to be the one.

The New York Times - Sports

It expects to be welcomed in.

The Guardian

Penske expects to be around long enough to see that.

The New York Times - Sports

The very story one expects to be told classically.

The New Yorker

She also expects to be driving for a neighbor.

The New Yorker

(His lawyers say that he expects to be "vindicated").

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expects to be" when conveying a belief or anticipation about a future state, especially in formal or professional contexts. It clearly communicates the idea of anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "expects to be" when the outcome is highly uncertain or speculative. Overstating expectations can lead to disappointment or mistrust if the anticipated result does not materialize.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expects to be" serves as a verb phrase indicating anticipation or expectation regarding a future state or condition. As Ludwig AI states, it communicates a belief that something will occur or someone will become something in the future. It connects a subject's anticipation to a future reality, effectively projecting intent or prediction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "expects to be" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to convey anticipation or expectation regarding a future state. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is both correct and commonly used in written English. As demonstrated by the examples, it appears frequently in news, business, and scientific contexts, making it appropriate for a wide range of communications. When using "expects to be", it's crucial to ensure the expectation is grounded in reasonable evidence or planning to maintain credibility. Alternatives like "anticipates being", "predicts it will be", and "foresees being" can be used to add nuance or formality, while being careful not to overstate the certainty of the expected outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anticipates being

Replaces the infinitive with a gerund, shifting the focus slightly to the process rather than the state.

predicts it will be

Introduces a prediction, implying a forecast based on current information.

foresees being

Implies a vision or foresight about a future state.

assumes it will be

Suggests a belief or presumption without concrete evidence.

projects to be

Formally estimates a future state, often used in business or scientific contexts.

envisions being

Highlights a mental image or visualization of a future scenario.

imagines being

Suggests a scenario conceived in the mind, possibly lacking a basis in reality.

plans to be

Indicates a deliberate intention and preparation for a future state.

intends to be

Highlights the purpose and direction towards a certain destination or condition.

hopes to be

Expresses a desire or wish for a future outcome, without certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "expects to be" in a sentence?

Use "expects to be" to indicate anticipation or belief regarding a future state or condition. For example, "The company "expects to be" profitable next year" indicates their anticipation of future profitability.

What are some alternatives to "expects to be"?

You can use alternatives such as "anticipates being", "predicts it will be", or "foresees being" depending on the context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "expects to be" formal or informal?

"Expects to be" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness largely depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.

When is it inappropriate to use "expects to be"?

It may be inappropriate to use "expects to be" when the anticipated outcome is purely speculative or lacks a reasonable basis. In such cases, using words like "hopes" or "wishes" might be more accurate.