we expected

USAGE SUMMARY

"we expected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you had a certain expectation, such as in the sentence: "We expected the meeting to last an hour, but it went on for two."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not what we expected.

The New Yorker

We expected too much".

The New York Times

"We expected more".

The New York Times

"We expected this result".

The New York Times

We expected to win..

Independent

"We expected to do well.

The Guardian

It wasn't what we expected.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's not something we expected".

The New York Times - Health

We expected a tougher game.

The New York Times

"We expected to be here.

The New York Times - Sports

"Like we expected to win.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we expected" to clearly communicate anticipations based on prior knowledge or experience. Be sure that the context provides sufficient background for the expectation to be understood.

Common error

Avoid using "we expected" when you actually made an assumption without evidence. Expectation is based on a degree of certainty. Use alternatives like "we assumed" or "we thought" if your belief was not firmly grounded.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we expected" primarily functions as a statement of anticipation or belief. It expresses that the speaker(s) held a prior conviction about a future event or outcome. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sports

20%

General Conversation

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we expected" is a versatile phrase used to express anticipation or prior belief, and Ludwig confirms its appropriateness in written English. Its frequency across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media and Sports, highlights its common usage. When writing, ensure the context supports the expectation and consider synonyms such as "we anticipated" for formal settings. Avoid using it for mere assumptions. Remember that clearly indicating what was expected enhances communication. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively employ "we expected" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we anticipated

Replaces "expected" with a more formal synonym, conveying a similar sense of anticipation but with a slightly more elevated tone.

we had foreseen

Implies a prior ability to see or predict the outcome, adding a sense of prescience to the expectation.

we predicted

Focuses specifically on making a prediction about a future event, rather than a general expectation.

we assumed

Suggests a belief taken for granted without proof, implying a lower degree of certainty than "expected".

we presumed

Similar to "assumed", but often carries a stronger connotation of basing the belief on reasonable grounds.

we reckoned

An informal alternative to "expected", more common in certain dialects or casual settings.

we counted on

Emphasizes reliance on something happening, implying a degree of dependence on the expected outcome.

we looked forward to

Expresses anticipation with pleasure or eagerness, adding an element of positive sentiment.

we were prepared for

Highlights the readiness or preparation for an event, rather than the expectation itself.

it was our understanding

Shifts the focus to a shared comprehension or agreement, rather than a personal expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "we expected" in a sentence?

You can use "we expected" to express something that you anticipated would happen, such as, "We expected to win the game" or "We expected it to rain today."

What's a more formal alternative to "we expected"?

For more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "we anticipated" or "it was our expectation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what "we expected"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what was expected provides clarity and avoids ambiguity. Without it, the listener or reader may be left wondering what the expectation was.

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

"We expected" implies a degree of certainty or anticipation based on evidence or prior experience. On the other hand, "we hoped" expresses a desire for something to happen, without necessarily having a strong basis for believing it will.