Anticipate vs They'll expect that

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

Anticipate

Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb

They'll expect that

Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Anticipate
 AnticipateThey'll expect that
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ænˈtɪsɪpeɪt//🇺🇸 //ænˈtɪsɪpeɪt//🇬🇧 //ðeɪl ɪkˈspɛkt ðæt//🇺🇸 //ðeɪl ɪkˈspɛkt ðæt//
MeaningTo expect or look forward to something happening.They will think something will happen.
ExampleWe anticipate a rise in sales this quarter.They'll expect that you arrive on time for the meeting.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechverb
Collocationsanticipate changes, anticipate problems, anticipate future trendsexpect that you will, expect that something will, they'll expect that everyone, they'll expect that you, they'll expect that this
Antonymsdread, disregard, ignore-
Common mistakesConfusing with 'expect' – 'anticipate' implies preparation., Using 'anticipate' without an object – it should always have something anticipated.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 notesUse 'anticipate' to express expectation about future events or actions. Avoid for casual conversations.Commonly used in spoken and written English; can be used in both casual and formal contexts. Avoid using in overly formal writing.

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They'll expect that

Frequently asked questions: Anticipate vs They'll expect that

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

Anticipate: To expect or look forward to something happening. They'll expect that: They will think something will happen.

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

Anticipate is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Anticipate: We anticipate a rise in sales this quarter. They'll expect that: They'll expect that you arrive on time for the meeting.

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

Not always. Anticipate 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.

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