what I anticipated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what I anticipated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to expectations or predictions about a situation or outcome. Example: "The results of the experiment were not what I anticipated, leading to further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

There is nothing different than what I anticipated.

The New York Times - Sports

"It wasn't what I anticipated when I woke up in the morning.

The New York Times - Sports

I realized pretty quickly that what I anticipated to make turned into something completely different — but I needed that.

The New York Times

Also, many people feel skeptical about the existence of ghosts, so the audience within the story — the dinner guests — gave me an opportunity to insert what I anticipated might be a reader's skepticisms into the story.

The New Yorker

The sight of my father's or mother's script on a small white envelope was what I anticipated right until mail call, after lunch, and what kept me going for the long afternoon hours afterward.

The New Yorker

The GIC had asked what I anticipated: some facial feminisation, hip growth and breast development, I said, having researched the physical effects on transsexual women (which are similar to those for pubertal cisgender women).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"What I anticipate is a discussion about issues".

The New York Times

That's exactly what I anticipate will happen at the next election.

The Guardian

I am worried, however, that if I do, I won't have enough cash on hand for what I anticipate may be a larger bill from the university.

The New York Times

"We set aside whatever issues we may have otherwise to respond appropriately and with swiftness, and that's exactly what I anticipate is going to happen here".

The New Yorker

Mr. McConnell wrote that the purpose of the meeting would be to explain "to her what I anticipate will occur in court on the following day".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing formal situations, "what I anticipated" can replace simpler terms like "what I expected" to add a layer of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

While grammatically sound, using "what I anticipated" too frequently in casual conversation may sound overly formal. Opt for "what I expected" or "what I thought" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what I anticipated" functions as a nominal clause, serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It introduces information about a prior expectation or prediction, as supported by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what I anticipated" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a deviation from prior expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While versatile, it is most commonly found in news and media, and science contexts. For more casual conversations, simpler terms like "what I expected" may be more appropriate. When writing, use "what I anticipated" to introduce a contrast between expectations and outcomes. Keep in mind that while this expression is grammatically correct and widely understood, it may be considered somewhat formal in certain contexts. Understanding these nuances will help you use the phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what I expected

Replaces "anticipated" with the more common "expected", maintaining the same meaning.

what I had foreseen

Uses "foreseen" to emphasize a prior view of an event, making it a more formal alternative.

what I had predicted

Emphasizes the act of making a prediction about a future event.

what I had reckoned

Uses "reckoned", suggesting a more thoughtful calculation or estimation.

what I had envisioned

Focuses on a mental image or concept of something in the future.

what I had assumed

Suggests taking something for granted or believing it without proof.

what I had believed

Highlights a prior conviction or faith in a particular outcome.

what I had conceived of

Emphasizes the initial formation of an idea or plan.

my original expectation

Rephrases the statement to focus on the expectation itself.

the outcome I had in mind

Shifts the focus to the desired or intended result.

FAQs

What's a simpler way to say "what I anticipated"?

You can often replace "what I anticipated" with phrases like "what I expected", "what I thought", or "what I foresaw" depending on the context.

How does "what I anticipated" differ from "what I expected"?

"What I anticipated" often suggests a more thoughtful or formal consideration of potential outcomes compared to "what I expected", which is a more general term.

Is it ever incorrect to use "what I anticipated"?

No, it is grammatically correct. However, in very informal settings, it might sound overly formal. Consider your audience and the situation when choosing between "what I anticipated" and simpler alternatives.

Can "what I anticipated" be used to describe past, present, or future events?

It's typically used to describe past events where the outcome differed from the speaker's prior expectations or predictions. It is not commonly used to refer to the present or future.