quietly expecting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quietly expecting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of anticipation or hopefulness that is subdued or not overtly expressed. Example: "She was quietly expecting a promotion, even though her colleagues were unaware of her aspirations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Legend insists he has been quietly expecting stardom since the age of "four or five".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Representatives for owners and players have quietly expected negotiations to pick up as the deadline approaches.

The New York Times - Sports

Local Republicans, many of whom had quietly expected a Democrat to ascend to City Hall for the first time in two decades, have begun to speak with optimism about the prospects for a Lhota candidacy.

The New York Times

In a city where Democrats outnumber Republicans by more than 6 to 1, the specter of a run by Mr. Lhota, who declined to comment on his plans, has galvanized some who quietly expected the 2013 race to end a two-decade stretch without a Democratic mayor.

The New York Times

"While Israel is taking care not to appear involved in the crisis, it quietly expects Washington to take meaningful action," Michael Herzog of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy wrote in an analysis.

Los Angeles Times

However, many blacks quietly expect or at least hope that if he's elected it will be more than a historic first for blacks.

Huffington Post

Michael Hertzog of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy wrote in an analysis that "while Israel is taking care not to appear involved in the crisis, it quietly expects Washington to take meaningful action.... Israelis believe that U.S. credibility among local and international actors is at stake, especially in Iran.

Los Angeles Times

Quietly expect him to do what you've asked him to do — remember the rule about trust?

WikiHow

The protesters in Athens and the markets reacted more quietly than expected, though an approaching Greek election may cause new upsets.

The Economist

And, quietly, they expect him to win in a time somewhere around 19.8 sec – which is not to be sniffed at.

The Guardian - Sport

Rahat, then 23, was expected to quietly carry on the family tradition: a stoic commitment to devotional music.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quietly expecting" to convey a subdued sense of anticipation, especially when the person doesn't outwardly express their expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "quietly expecting" in overly formal or professional writing where a more direct and explicit expression of expectation might be preferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quietly expecting" functions as an adverbial modifier combined with a verb, describing the manner in which someone anticipates or hopes for something. As Ludwig AI highlights, it denotes a state of anticipation that is not overtly expressed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quietly expecting" conveys a sense of anticipation that is not openly expressed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While relatively rare, it appears primarily in news and media contexts. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms such as "silently anticipating" or "calmly awaiting" to better fit the intended nuance and context. Remember that, although suitable for general use, avoid overusing it in highly formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

silently anticipating

Emphasizes the lack of outward expression of anticipation.

calmly awaiting

Highlights the composure and lack of anxiety while waiting.

secretly hoping

Focuses on the hidden nature of the hope.

discreetly anticipating

Suggests a cautious or subtle anticipation to avoid attention.

privately anticipating

Highlights that the anticipation is kept personal and not shared.

inwardly expecting

Focuses on the internal feeling of expectation.

subtly anticipating

Emphasizes the understated nature of the anticipation.

tacitly anticipating

Implies an unspoken understanding or agreement about the expectation.

unassumingly expecting

Highlights the lack of arrogance or presumption in the expectation.

unobtrusively anticipating

Suggests that the anticipation is not noticeable or intrusive.

FAQs

What does "quietly expecting" mean?

The phrase "quietly expecting" means to anticipate something with a sense of calmness or without expressing it openly. It implies a subdued hope or expectation.

What can I say instead of "quietly expecting"?

You can use alternatives like "silently anticipating", "calmly awaiting", or "secretly hoping" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "quietly expecting" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "quietly expecting" might be less suitable for highly formal contexts. Consider stronger, more direct alternatives for clarity and impact.

How does "quietly expecting" differ from "expecting"?

"Quietly expecting" emphasizes the lack of outward expression or demonstration of the expectation. "Expecting" is a more general term without this specific nuance.