we anticipated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we anticipated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an expectation or prediction about a future event or outcome. Example: "We anticipated that the project would be completed ahead of schedule, but unforeseen challenges arose."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Have we anticipated everything?

The New York Times

We anticipated it.

The Guardian

It wasn't anything we anticipated.

The Guardian - Film

We anticipated quite a backlash.

The New York Times

"That's more than we anticipated," he said.

The New York Times

Certainly we anticipated we'd do better".

The New York Times - Sports

"The pace is about what we anticipated.

The New York Times

We anticipated there would be some problems.

The Guardian

It's far more subtle and sophisticated than we anticipated.

The Guardian

"Recovery has not been at a pace we anticipated".

The New York Times - Travel

He said: "We anticipated increased demand but not this much.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we anticipated" to clearly communicate that your team or organization had a prior expectation or understanding of a situation. It adds a layer of preparedness and foresight to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "we anticipated" excessively in situations where the anticipation was obvious or didn't require special insight. Overuse can make the writing sound repetitive or boastful. Instead, vary your language or omit the phrase if the anticipation is self-evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we anticipated" functions as a statement of prior expectation or prediction. It indicates that the speaker or writer had a pre-existing belief about a future event or outcome, often implying preparedness. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase expresses an expectation about a future event or outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we anticipated" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey prior expectation or prediction. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its purpose is to inform that a certain outcome was not unexpected. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "we expected", "we foresaw", and "we predicted". When using this phrase, ensure it's justified and avoids sounding repetitive. It is better to consider that it is more appropiate to use in a proactive mindset.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we expected

Simple synonym focusing on a belief that something would occur.

we had expected

Another past perfect tense, similar to 'we had foreseen' but less formal.

we foresaw

Implies a deeper insight or ability to see into the future.

we had foreseen

Past perfect tense, emphasizing that the anticipation occurred earlier.

we predicted

Highlights the act of making a forecast based on available information.

we envisioned

Suggests a mental image or detailed concept of what was to come.

we were prepared for

Focuses on the readiness aspect of anticipating an event, implying actions taken in advance.

we reckoned

Informal synonym implying a calculation or estimation.

we looked forward to

Highlights a positive anticipation or eagerness for something.

we assumed

Implies a belief without concrete proof, a less certain form of anticipation.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "we anticipated"?

You can use alternatives like "we expected", "we foresaw", or "we predicted" depending on the context.

How do I use "we anticipated" in a sentence?

You can use "we anticipated" to express that you or your group expected something to happen. For example, "We anticipated a delay in the project timeline" or "We anticipated the increased demand during the holiday season."

Is "we anticipated" formal or informal?

"We anticipated" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although alternatives like "we expected" might be more suitable for very casual situations.

What's the difference between "we anticipated" and "we expected"?

While similar, "we anticipated" often suggests a more proactive or prepared mindset than "we expected". "We anticipated" implies that you not only expected something but also considered its potential impact and prepared accordingly. "We expected" is a more general statement of belief that something would occur.