Await vs They'll expect that

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Await

Top 3,000 (common)C1verb

They'll expect that

Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: They'll expect that
 AwaitThey'll expect that
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/əˈweɪt/","/əˈweɪts/","/əˈweɪtɪd/","/əˈweɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈweɪt/","/əˈweɪts/","/əˈweɪtɪd/","/əˈweɪtɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //ðeɪl ɪkˈspɛkt ðæt//🇺🇸 //ðeɪl ɪkˈspɛkt ðæt//
Meaningto wait for something or someoneThey will think something will happen.
ExampleHe is in custody **awaiting trial**.They'll expect that you arrive on time for the meeting.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 3,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelC1-
Part of speechverb
Collocationsanxiously, breathlessly, nervously, long awaitedexpect that you will, expect that something will, they'll expect that everyone, they'll expect that you, they'll expect that this
Antonymsdepart, continue, proceed-
Common mistakesUsing 'await' without an object, e.g., 'I await.' should be 'I await your response.', 'Await for' is incorrect; 'await' does not take 'for'., Confusing with 'wait' which is more common in conversation.Confusing with 'they expect' which is more immediate., Using incorrect tenses, such as 'they'll expected'., Adding unnecessary words, for example, 'they will expect that it will rain.'
Usage notesUsed in formal contexts, often in writing. Not typical in casual speech. Don't confuse with 'wait for'—they are similar but 'await' is used without 'for'.Commonly used in spoken and written English; can be used in both casual and formal contexts. Avoid using in overly formal writing.

See it in real clips

Await
They'll expect that

Frequently asked questions: Await vs They'll expect that

What's the difference between Await and They'll expect that?

Await: to wait for something or someone They'll expect that: They will think something will happen.

Which is more common: Await and They'll expect that?

They'll expect that is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Await: He is in custody **awaiting trial**. They'll expect that: They'll expect that you arrive on time for the meeting.

Can I use Await and They'll expect that interchangeably?

Not always. Await and They'll expect that are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

Related comparisons