initial expectation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial expectation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the first assumption or belief about a situation or outcome before further information is obtained. Example: "Our initial expectation was that the project would be completed within three months, but unforeseen challenges arose."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The research firm said checks show sales of the iPod shuffle device are trending above its initial expectation of 500,000 units, and CSFB now expect shipments of 1.5 million units in the quarter.

Forbes

"The reality turned out better than the initial expectation and fear".

The New Yorker

Analysts said that would mean approval no sooner than late 2007 or early 2008, compared with an initial expectation of this November.

The New York Times

My initial expectation was that Chinese writers would either look hunted, or they would be transparent government stooges: the situation is naturally more complicated.

The Guardian - Books

She and the other auto executives are also trying to allay their suppliers' suspicions, by trying to play down Wall Street's initial expectation that the exchange will produce big savings on automakers' payments to suppliers.

The New York Times

T-PAIN "Revolver" (RCA) Of the great experimental pop musicians of the 2000s, the widest gap between initial expectation and lasting influence belongs to T-Pain, who sang through a machine about strippers and nightclubs.

The New York Times - Arts

Simulation results confirm our initial expectation.

Computer Communications

The initial expectation is that sales of luxury goods will go down considerably, which, in a way, effects us techies.

TechCrunch

Since launching, Kale says that the average order value has been $75, much higher than the team's initial expectation.

TechCrunch

Regarding some statements, students' experiences were more positive than their initial expectation about the use of Twitter in higher education.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

President Allison Wisnefski admits her initial expectation that her staff work only during the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. was unrealistic.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "initial expectation" when you want to refer to a belief or assumption held at the beginning of a process or situation. It implies that this belief might change as more information becomes available.

Common error

Avoid using "initial expectation" when referring to something already confirmed or known. Reserve it for situations where there's a degree of uncertainty or anticipation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial expectation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a preliminary belief or anticipation about a future event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initial expectation" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a preliminary belief or anticipation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, especially in news, media, and scientific publications. When writing, be mindful of using "initial expectation" to refer to genuine anticipations rather than established facts. Alternatives like "preliminary anticipation" or "starting assumption" can offer nuanced meaning depending on the context. By understanding its function and common usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "initial expectation" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary anticipation

Emphasizes the tentative and early nature of the anticipation.

initial assessment

Focuses on the first evaluation.

first impression

Focuses on the initial perception formed.

starting assumption

Highlights that it's a base assumption to work from.

original hypothesis

More suited for scientific contexts, highlighting the initial assumption.

initial outlook

Focuses on the viewpoint at the beginning of the process.

initial estimation

Focuses on preliminary calculations.

early assessment

Highlights the early evaluation or judgment.

preliminary forecast

Highlights early projections.

preconceived notion

Implies a preformed idea, which may or may not be accurate.

FAQs

How can I use "initial expectation" in a sentence?

You can use "initial expectation" to describe a belief or assumption you had at the start of something, like "My "initial expectation" was that the project would be easy, but it turned out to be quite challenging."

What's a good substitute for "initial expectation"?

Depending on the context, you could use "preliminary anticipation", "first impression", or "starting assumption" as alternatives.

Is "initial expectations" grammatically correct?

While "expectation" is often used in the singular, "expectations" can be used if you are referring to a range of different anticipations or beliefs. Therefore, "initial expectations" can be grammatically correct, but "initial expectation" is more common.

What is the difference between "initial expectation" and a "hope"?

An "initial expectation" is a belief about what will happen, whereas a "hope" is a desire for something to happen, often with less certainty.