were expecting the documents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were expecting the documents" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a prior anticipation or belief that certain documents would be received or delivered. Example: "We were expecting the documents to arrive by the end of the week, but they have not yet been received."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

As could be expected, the document contained all kinds of helpful ideas, including wearing pajamas that are hard to get into.

Huffington Post

Such increases of 8 to 18 fold over the overall reported rates of about 0.5 per 100, and four fold more than the highest rate for the hills in Nepal, and are beyond any errors that might be expected in the documented success rate of the three conventional breeding programmes in Nepal, Bangladesh and IRRI.

BMC Plant Biology

Yearly kidney condemnation rates related to nephritis lesions in eastern Ontario were most consistent with the trends that were expected in relation to the documented disease outbreaks.

BMC Veterinary Research

A federal judge has blocked the public availability of blueprints that provide instructions for making guns using 3-D printers, just hours before the documents were expected to be published online.

The Washington Post

The documents were expected to focus on Kennedy's assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, and his exploits in Mexico City two months before he shot the president in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963, according to USA Today.

Huffington Post

Midwives and obstetricians in the UK are expected to document the extent of perineal trauma sustained using a classification system which divides trauma into four types according to the tissues and structures involved [ 4, 5].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Both were expected to be approved, but the Amsterdam document was likely to gain a lower vote.

The New York Times

Before the settlement, Judge Baer was expected to examine the documents and disposition again carefully before deciding whether to dismiss the case.

The New York Times

Lawyers for the respondents are expected to file documents on November 23 arguing against the Supreme Court hearing the case.

Vice

All adverse reactions reported were expected adverse reactions; they were observed and documented previously.

BMJ Open

The fact that obese children display a stronger tendency to flat foot is expected and documented in the literature [ 4, 10, 13, 21].

European Journal of Pediatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were expecting the documents", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the expectation and any potential consequences if the documents are not received. Consider including a timeframe or deadline to strengthen the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "were expecting the documents" if there's significant doubt about their arrival. If the delivery is uncertain, use a phrase like "hoped to receive the documents" or "were informed the documents might be sent" to reflect the lower level of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were expecting the documents" functions as a statement of anticipation or expectation. It indicates that someone believed the documents would be received. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were expecting the documents" is a grammatically sound way to express anticipation or expectation of receiving specific documents. Ludwig AI indicates its general acceptability in written English. Since the examples count is currently missing, its real-world frequency cannot be determined. The phrase holds a neutral tone and may be applied to multiple source types without being out of place. When using the phrase, ensure the context clarifies the reason for expectation and possible implications if those documents aren't delivered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were anticipating the arrival of the documents

Replaces "expecting" with "anticipating the arrival of", making the phrase slightly more formal.

anticipated receiving the documents

Replaces the continuous tense with a simple past tense and uses 'receiving' instead of 'expecting'.

awaited the documents

Substitutes "were expecting" with the single verb "awaited", implying a more passive waiting.

believed the documents were forthcoming

Replaces "expecting" with "believed were forthcoming", making the phrase more formal.

were counting on getting the documents

Implies reliance on receiving the documents, suggesting a need or dependence.

were awaiting the documents' delivery

Focuses on the act of delivery and uses "awaiting" to express anticipation.

had been told the documents would be delivered

Expresses expectation based on prior information, focusing on the delivery promise.

were under the impression the documents were coming

Highlights a perceived understanding about the documents' arrival.

assumed the documents would arrive

Replaces expectation with assumption, indicating a belief without concrete evidence.

looked forward to the documents

Conveys a sense of eagerness and positive anticipation.

FAQs

What does "were expecting the documents" mean?

It means that someone anticipated or believed that certain documents would be received or delivered at a specific time or under certain conditions.

What can I say instead of "were expecting the documents"?

You can use alternatives like "anticipated receiving the documents", "awaited the documents", or "were anticipating the arrival of the documents depending on the context.

Is "were expecting the documents" formal or informal?

The phrase "were expecting the documents" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and situation.

How to use "were expecting the documents" in a sentence?

For example: "We were expecting the documents to arrive by the end of the week, but they have not yet been received."