A2verb 1K

Expect

🇬🇧 UK /["/ɪkˈspekt/","/ɪkˈspekts/","/ɪkˈspektɪd/","/ɪkˈspektɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ɪkˈspekt/","/ɪkˈspekts/","/ɪkˈspektɪd/","/ɪkˈspektɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Expect

to think or believe that something will happen or that somebody will do something

In simple words: To believe something will happen.

Expect in a sentence

• I expect to receive my package by Friday.
• Do you expect it to rain tomorrow?
• She expects the meeting to start at 10 AM.
• The teacher expects all students to be on time.
• I certainly didn't expect him to win the race!
• Many people expect the movie to be a big hit.
• They expect high sales this holiday season.
• We expect our guests to arrive by 6 PM.
• She did not expect to see him at the party.
• I expect that you have finished your homework.

How to use Expect

Use 'expect' in both spoken and written English. It's neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using it with uncertain outcomes.

Grammar pattern

expect + object + to + verb

Memory hint

Sounds like 'X-pect' — imagine putting 'a check' on your expectations.

Related words

Collocations with Expect

• confidently
• fully
• rightly
• be fair to
• be natural to
• be reasonable to
• from
• as expected
• (only) to be expected
• be widely expected
• confidently
• fully
• rightly
• be fair to
• be natural to
• be reasonable to
• from
• as expected
• (only) to be expected
• be widely expected

Synonyms for Expect

• anticipate
• predict
• await
• believe

Opposites of Expect

• doubt
• disregard
• ignore

Common mistakes with Expect

• Confused with 'hope' - 'expect' is more certain than 'hope'.
• Using 'expect' without an object - remember it often needs a person or thing.
• Misplacing the infinitive after 'expect' - make sure to use 'to + verb'.

Frequently asked questions about Expect

What does Expect mean?

To believe something will happen.

What is the definition of Expect?

to think or believe that something will happen or that somebody will do something

How do you use Expect in a sentence?

I expect to receive my package by Friday.

Can you give another example of Expect?

Do you expect it to rain tomorrow?

What are synonyms for Expect?

Common alternatives include anticipate, predict, await, believe.

What is the opposite of Expect?

Opposite meanings include doubt, disregard, ignore.

What words go with Expect?

It commonly pairs with confidently, fully, rightly, be fair to, be natural to, be reasonable to, from, as expected, (only) to be expected, be widely expected, confidently, fully, rightly, be fair to, be natural to, be reasonable to, from, as expected, (only) to be expected, be widely expected.

What are common mistakes when using Expect?

Confused with 'hope' - 'expect' is more certain than 'hope'. Using 'expect' without an object - remember it often needs a person or thing. Misplacing the infinitive after 'expect' - make sure to use 'to + verb'.

How do you pronounce Expect?

US: /["/ɪkˈspekt/","/ɪkˈspekts/","/ɪkˈspektɪd/","/ɪkˈspektɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ɪkˈspekt/","/ɪkˈspekts/","/ɪkˈspektɪd/","/ɪkˈspektɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Expect?

Use 'expect' in both spoken and written English. It's neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using it with uncertain outcomes.

What CEFR level is Expect?

"Expect" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.