in anticipation

USAGE SUMMARY

"in anticipation" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It typically describes someone looking forward to a future event. For example: I am eagerly reading the book in anticipation of seeing the movie adaptation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fear lies in anticipation.

The New York Times - Arts

I apologized in anticipation.

The New York Times - Magazine

In anticipation of the I.P.O.

The New York Times

I live in anticipation.

The Guardian - Film

People smiled in anticipation.

The New Yorker

Photographers aimed their cameras in anticipation.

The New York Times - Sports

"The equity market was up in anticipation.

The New York Times

The city is paralyzed in anticipation.

The New York Times

In anticipation of this very study".

The New Yorker

Soon the kitchen went quiet in anticipation.

The New York Times - Magazine

Murray Mound rises in anticipation.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in anticipation" to clearly convey that an action is taken before an event, showing foresight or expectation. This adds clarity to your writing and demonstrates proactive planning.

Common error

Avoid using "in anticipation" when simply describing an action taken at the same time as another event. The phrase specifically denotes actions taken beforehand, not simultaneously.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in anticipation" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb or noun to indicate that an action is taken or a state exists before a specific event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in anticipation" functions as a prepositional phrase to indicate actions taken or states existing before a predicted event. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in formal writing across varied contexts like News & Media, Science, and Business. To ensure clarity, it's important to use the phrase when the action precedes the anticipated event, differentiating it from actions occurring simultaneously. When aiming for diversity in writing, alternatives like "in expectation" or "in preparation for" can be considered, ensuring alignment with the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in expectation

Focuses more directly on the feeling of expecting something to happen.

in preparation for

Emphasizes the act of getting ready for a future event.

ahead of

Implies doing something before a specific event or deadline.

leading up to

Describes the period before an event, often with a sense of build-up.

with foresight

Highlights the ability to predict future needs or events.

in advance

Simply means doing something earlier than necessary.

expecting

A more direct verb form, focusing on the state of expectation.

foreseeing

Emphasizes the act of seeing or predicting something beforehand.

in readiness for

Highlights the state of being ready for a future event.

looking forward to

Focuses on the positive emotional expectation of a future event.

FAQs

How can I use "in anticipation" in a sentence?

You can use "in anticipation" to describe actions taken before an expected event. For example: "They stocked up on supplies "in anticipation" of the storm."

What's a good alternative to "in anticipation"?

Alternatives to "in anticipation" include "in expectation", "in preparation for", or "ahead of", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "in anticipation of" or "in anticipation for"?

The correct phrasing is "in anticipation of". The preposition "of" is used to connect the anticipation to the event or outcome being anticipated. "In anticipation for" is grammatically incorrect.

How does "in anticipation" differ from "looking forward to"?

"In anticipation" typically refers to actions taken to prepare for something, while "looking forward to" expresses excitement or positive expectation. You might prepare "in anticipation" of a guest's arrival because you are "looking forward to" their visit.