what were we expecting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what were we expecting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when reflecting on a situation or outcome that was anticipated, often implying that the result was predictable or unsurprising. Example: "After seeing the weather forecast, I asked myself, what were we expecting from a storm like that?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

What were we expecting?

The New Yorker

What were we expecting from An Evening with Oprah, the first show of her Australian tour?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But what were we expecting?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

What were we expected to do at this ceremony?

The New Yorker

What are we expecting this morning?

The Guardian

What are we expecting from Apple next week on this front?

The Washington Post

Just what are we expecting as a return on this costly investment?

The New York Times

So what are we expecting to replace our beloved screens ?

Forbes

So what were we to expect from the second album?

The Guardian - Music

But what are we to expect?

Independent

What are we to expect after five months?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase “what were we expecting” when reflecting on a predictable outcome that aligns with initial expectations, often with a hint of irony or resignation.

Common error

Avoid using “what were we expecting” in situations where the outcome was genuinely unpredictable or surprising, as it implies a degree of foresight that didn't exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what were we expecting" functions as an interrogative expression used to question or reflect on prior expectations, often implying a sense of inevitability or resignation regarding the outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and easily usable in written english.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what were we expecting" is a grammatically correct and subtly complex interrogative expression. As Ludwig AI pointed out, this phrase, while grammatically sound, carries an implication of predictability and is most commonly found in the context of News & Media. The usage of the phrase often suggests a reflective tone, where a speaker or writer is acknowledging that the outcome aligns with initial expectations, whether positively or negatively. Alternatives such as "What did we anticipate?" or "What should we have foreseen?" can provide similar meanings but alter the emphasis. When employing this phrase, it is essential to ensure the context supports the idea of predictable outcomes to avoid miscommunication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What did we anticipate?

Focuses on the act of anticipating something.

What should we have foreseen?

Highlights the element of foresight and potential predictability.

What outcomes did we foresee?

Emphasizes the specific results that were envisioned.

What were our assumptions?

Shifts the focus to the underlying beliefs influencing expectations.

What was our understanding?

Focuses on comprehension and knowledge at the time.

What possibilities did we consider?

Highlights the range of potential outcomes that were taken into account.

What were we counting on?

Emphasizes reliance on certain events or results.

What did we take for granted?

Highlights elements that were overlooked or not properly valued.

What were the givens?

Focuses on the pre-existing conditions or assumptions.

What were our preconceived notions?

Highlights pre-existing biases influencing expectations.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "what were we expecting" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "What outcomes did we anticipate?", or "What were our projected results?" These alternatives offer a similar meaning while maintaining a professional tone.

Is "what were we expecting" sarcastic?

The phrase "what were we expecting" can indeed carry a tone of sarcasm, especially when the actual outcome was negative or undesirable. It implies that the negative result was predictable all along. The tone heavily depends on the context.

What's a more direct alternative to "what were we expecting"?

If you want to be more direct, you can say "What did we think would happen?" This cuts straight to the point, questioning the initial assumptions that led to the current situation.

How does the tone of "what were we expecting" differ from "what should we have done"?

"What were we expecting" reflects on the accuracy of prior expectations, while "what should we have done" focuses on missed opportunities and alternative actions. The former questions foresight, whereas the latter questions actions and decisions.