would not expect

USAGE SUMMARY

"would not expect" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express that something is unlikely or unexpected. For example: - I would not expect him to apologize, he is usually quite stubborn. - She would not expect to see her ex-boyfriend at the party, but there he was. - They would not expect to find such a beautiful view at the end of their hike.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You would not expect otherwise,' he says.

The Guardian - Business

We would not expect Gabriel to describe Lillian objectively.

The New York Times - Books

We would not expect such trials to work anyway.

The Guardian

"Just like you would not expect a casino to disclose when the security guards change shifts".

The New York Times

We would not expect every throw-in to be taken on the exact blade of grass".

The New York Times - Sports

You would not expect a king of bags to ignore accessories.

The New York Times

Normally, one would not expect that collusion would result in lower, rather than higher, prices.

The New York Times

One would not expect, say, C-sharp major, which is alien to the key.

The New Yorker

"But I would not expect to see a lot of movement before the end of 2011".

The New York Times - Travel

Even with course familiarity, Goydos would not expect to star in a sequel.

The New York Times

"I would not expect a hero's welcome for him," Keppke said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "would not expect" to express surprise or disbelief about a particular outcome. This phrase is best used when the situation contradicts conventional wisdom or previous experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "would not expect" when a different degree of certainty is needed. Using "might not expect" suggests a possibility, while "should not expect" indicates a stronger, more prescriptive stance. Choosing the correct modal verb is key for accurately conveying the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would not expect" functions primarily as a modal expression indicating a lack of anticipation or a sense of surprise if something were to occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses that something is unlikely or unexpected. The examples show how it modifies the understanding of events or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "would not expect" is a versatile phrase used to express a lack of anticipation or surprise. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in indicating unlikely or unexpected scenarios. As the analysis shows, it functions as a modal expression across various contexts. Its neutral formality makes it suitable for both professional and general communication. While frequently found in scientific and news media, its precise application depends on the intended nuance regarding certainty and anticipation. Remember to choose the correct modal verb to accurately convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would not anticipate

This alternative replaces "expect" with "anticipate", implying a lack of foresight rather than simple expectation.

would not foresee

This uses "foresee" instead of "expect", suggesting an inability to predict the event.

would not imagine

Replaces "expect" with "imagine", indicating a lack of mental consideration rather than prediction.

would not suspect

This alternative uses "suspect" instead of "expect", shifting the meaning towards a lack of inclination to believe something.

would not presume

Using "presume" instead of "expect" suggests a lack of prior assumption.

would not predict

This phrase replaces "expect" with "predict", emphasizing the impossibility of forecasting the event.

would not think

Replaces "expect" with "think", indicating a difference in opinion rather than anticipation.

would not believe

Using "believe" instead of "expect" suggests incredulity towards the possibility of the event.

would not count on

This uses the phrasal verb "count on" instead of "expect", indicating a lack of reliance or dependence.

would not look for

Replaces "expect" with "look for", suggesting an absence of active searching or anticipation.

FAQs

How can I use "would not expect" in a sentence?

You can use "would not expect" to express that something is surprising or unlikely. For example, "I "would not expect" such a warm welcome after being away for so long."

What can I say instead of "would not expect"?

You can use alternatives like "would not anticipate", "would not foresee", or "would not imagine" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I wouldn't expect"?

Yes, "I wouldn't expect" is a contraction of "I would not expect" and is perfectly acceptable in both spoken and written English. The choice between the two is often a matter of personal preference or stylistic choice.

What's the difference between "would not expect" and "should not expect"?

"Would not expect" expresses a lack of anticipation or surprise if something doesn't happen. "Should not expect", on the other hand, implies that something is improper or inappropriate and therefore ought not to be anticipated.