we should anticipate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we should anticipate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing expectations or predictions about future events or outcomes. Example: "In light of the recent developments, we should anticipate some changes in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Our training had taught us that we should anticipate heavy casualties.

The Guardian

We should anticipate more progress on using the large infrastructure funding pots to get more projects under way.

The Guardian - Opinion

When medical personnel dabble in religious practices, we should anticipate that patients might interpret this as a sign of desperation.

The New York Times

We should anticipate facing VW in either a terrorist or combat environment during the next 15 years.

Yale University

"Terror and Consent" is less historical; indeed, it is more concerned with the future and how best we should anticipate its challenges.

The New York Times - Books

"We should anticipate a flood of refugees, humanitarian needs, and the potential for chaos, a military coup or the devastation of civil war".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

You should anticipate that as we get more information, our teams will provide you briefings.

The Guardian

Dissidents should anticipate this.

The Economist

Care teams should anticipate this risk.

Harvard Business Review

However, East should anticipate that risk and look elsewhere.

The New York Times

Trump and his advisers should anticipate three main approaches.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we should anticipate" when you want to convey a sense of informed expectation or readiness for a likely future event. It suggests a proactive approach based on available information.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "we should anticipate" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "we can expect" or "we'll probably see" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we should anticipate" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing expectation or prediction. It suggests a proactive assessment of future possibilities based on current knowledge, as supported by Ludwig AI's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

29%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we should anticipate" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey expectation or prediction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most frequently found in news and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to consider simpler alternatives in informal settings. When writing, use "we should anticipate" to express informed expectations based on current conditions or available data, guiding your audience to prepare for likely outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we can expect

Uses "can expect" to express a reasonable expectation based on current conditions or past experiences.

we ought to expect

Substitutes "should" with "ought to", conveying a sense of moral obligation or advisability in addition to expectation.

it is reasonable to expect

Introduces a level of justification or logic to the expectation.

we need to foresee

Replaces "anticipate" with "foresee", emphasizing the ability to see or know something in advance.

we should be ready for

Emphasizes preparedness and readiness in the face of potential events.

we must prepare for

Focuses on the aspect of readiness and preparation rather than simply expecting something.

we have to reckon with

Highlights the necessity of dealing with something, often something challenging or problematic.

we want to believe

While not synonymous, this expresses a desired outcome, implying hope and anticipation.

we are in line for

While not synonymous, this conveys anticipation of an event, typically a reward.

we might consider

Shifts the focus to a more tentative expectation or possibility to be considered.

FAQs

How can I use "we should anticipate" in a sentence?

Use "we should anticipate" to express a reasonable expectation based on available information. For instance, "Given the current economic climate, "we should anticipate" a rise in unemployment rates".

What are some alternatives to "we should anticipate"?

Alternatives include "we can expect", "we ought to expect", or "we need to foresee", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "we should anticipate" formal or informal?

"We should anticipate" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. In very casual conversation, simpler phrases might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "we should anticipate" and "we hope for"?

"We should anticipate" implies a reasonable expectation based on evidence or understanding, while "we hope for" expresses a desire or wish, which may not be based on concrete evidence. The former is about expectation, and the latter about desire.