it was expecting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was expecting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation where something anticipated or looked forward to an event or outcome in the past. Example: "The weather forecast indicated that it was expecting heavy rain, so we decided to cancel the picnic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Academies' panel met for the first time in February, and it was expecting to finish its work next spring.

Science Magazine

At the time it said it was expecting to select about 10 startups in its first intake.

TechCrunch

At the time it said it was expecting to select about 10 startups in its first intake.

TechCrunch

The OBR has cut its growth forecasts repeatedly since it was established in 2010, when it was expecting 2.8% growth for 2013.

BBC

The company said it was expecting a "significant" improvement in operating profit in 2018, in line with previous expectations.

The Guardian - Business

City Room said it was expecting brain-twister clues.

The New York Times

At worst, it was expecting the new censorship regime to produce a harmless Baby Frankenstein.

The New York Times

The company said yesterday that it was expecting delays of up to two days on deliveries.

The New York Times

M&S said it was expecting significant demand at stores near tourist locations.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It was expected".

The New York Times

It was expected then.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what "it" refers to. Clarity is essential to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it is expecting" when discussing past events. This error shifts the sentence to present tense, misrepresenting when the expectation occurred. Always use "it was expecting" for past anticipations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was expecting" functions as a verb phrase expressing a past expectation or anticipation. As shown in the examples, this phrase is used to describe what an entity or organization believed would happen at some point in the past. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was expecting" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to describe a past anticipation or expectation. It functions to convey beliefs or predictions about future events from a past perspective. Ludwig AI validates its frequent usage and acceptability across various contexts. While generally neutral, the context in which it's used can influence its overall formality. Remember to use "it was expecting" when referring to past expectations and avoid confusing it with present tense forms. It is widely used in sources like The Guardian, BBC and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was anticipating

Emphasizes a sense of looking forward to something with a degree of readiness; more formal.

it was predicting

Focuses on forecasting a future event based on available information; more specific to forecasts.

it was forecasting

Similar to predicting, but often used in the context of weather or economic trends.

it was projecting

Implies an estimation or calculation of a future outcome based on current data.

it was envisioning

Suggests a mental image of a future event or state; more imaginative.

it was looking forward to

Expresses a positive anticipation or excitement about something.

it had foreseen

Implies an earlier recognition of a future event or situation.

it had anticipated

Similar to "it was anticipating" but places the anticipation in the past.

it had predicted

Expresses a past prediction about a future event.

it assumed

Suggests a belief without concrete proof.

FAQs

How do I use "it was expecting" in a sentence?

Use "it was expecting" to describe a past anticipation or expectation. For example, "The company said "it was expecting" a significant increase in sales during the holiday season".

What are some alternatives to "it was expecting"?

Alternatives include "it was anticipating", "it was predicting", or "it was forecasting". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was expecting" formal or informal?

"It was expecting" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The surrounding language and source will influence the overall formality.

What's the difference between "it was expecting" and "it is expecting"?

"It was expecting" refers to a past expectation, while "it is expecting" refers to a present expectation. The tense indicates when the anticipation is taking place.