we were anticipating

USAGE SUMMARY

'we were anticipating' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are describing something that you were expecting to happen in the future. For example, "We were anticipating the arrival of the shipment tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

So we were anticipating a profit of $1,151.

The New York Times

We were anticipating that the equity was virtually worthless".

The New York Times

"We were anticipating demand for space out here, but it did not happen".

The New York Times

"She was very happy about it and we were anticipating the birth".

The New York Times

"We didn't want to mislead anybody, but we were anticipating late fall," Mr. Brennan said.

The New York Times - Food

"We were anticipating getting him back in the lineup and healthy," Bylsma said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

We're anticipating early 2013 for sales.

The New York Times

We're anticipating a bubble".

The New York Times

We are anticipating big numbers".

The Guardian

"Now, we're anticipating better results".

The New York Times

"We are anticipating Newark honey," Dr. Calderon said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were anticipating" to express expectations or predictions about future events, especially when discussing plans, strategies, or potential outcomes.

Common error

Be careful not to use "we were anticipating" when referring to events that have already occurred and were not expected. Use a different verb tense to indicate the lack of anticipation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "we were anticipating" is to serve as a verb phrase expressing a past continuous action of expecting or predicting something. Ludwig shows many examples from various contexts, confirming its role in indicating anticipation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were anticipating" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that expresses a past continuous action of expecting or predicting something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid using it for actions that were not expected. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a variety of contexts, but be mindful of the more proactive implication it carries. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage, you can effectively integrate "we were anticipating" into your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we had expected

This alternative uses "expected" instead of "anticipating", implying a slightly stronger sense of certainty.

we foresaw

This alternative suggests a more insightful or predictive outlook on the situation.

we predicted

This alternative uses "predicted", which implies a formal or calculated forecast.

we had foreseen

Similar to "we foresaw" but emphasizes the action occurred in the past relative to another past event.

we looked forward to

Expresses a feeling of pleasure or excitement about something expected.

we were looking forward to

Adds a sense of enthusiasm or eagerness towards something expected.

we presumed

Implies an assumption based on probability but without concrete evidence.

we assumed

Similar to "we presumed", indicating a belief taken for granted.

we reckoned

A more informal way of saying "we thought" or "we expected".

we had in mind

This alternative suggests a plan or intention that was being considered.

FAQs

How can I use "we were anticipating" in a sentence?

Use "we were anticipating" to describe something you expected to happen in the future, such as "We were anticipating a large crowd at the event."

What's the difference between "we were anticipating" and "we were expecting"?

While similar, "we were anticipating" often implies a more proactive or planned expectation, whereas "we were expecting" can be a more general statement of anticipation. The phrases "we were expecting" are interchangeable in many contexts.

What are some alternatives to "we were anticipating"?

You can use alternatives like "we had expected", "we foresaw", or "we were looking forward to" depending on the context.

Is "we were anticipating for" grammatically correct?

No, the correct usage is "we were anticipating" without the preposition "for". For example, "We were anticipating their arrival", not "We were anticipating for their arrival".