What is Expect in English? Distinguishing Expect, Hope and Look Forward To

To express what you anticipate in the future, you can use Expect in English. How is Expect in English used? What are the differences between Expect, Hope, and Look Forward? Let’s explore below!

I. What is Expect in English?

Expect is pronounced /ɪkˈspekt/ and functions as a transitive verb. The Expect meaning in English is: to think or believe something will happen, or someone will arrive. Expect is typically followed by a direct object. For example:

• Richard expects she will come. 

• John and Richard have been married for 2 years but have no children. I expect a miracle from them. 

II. How to use Expect in English

Let’s explore how to use Expect in English below!

1. Structure of Expect in English

You can see how to use Expect in English through the following structures:

2. Usage of Expect in English

2.1. To think or believe that something will happen, or that someone will arrive

Expect can be used similarly to "think" or "suppose", indicating that the speaker believes something will occur or should occur. When using "Expect" in this sense, it is generally not used in continuous tenses. For example:

• Johnathan is home, I expect that. 

• Xavia should have done her homework by now, I expect so. 

2.2. To think that someone should behave in a particular way or do a particular thing

We use Expect to indicate that we are waiting for or hoping for something to occur. The structures that express this meaning are as follows:

3. Notes on using Expect in English

Although the above structures are quite similar and often interchangeable, there can still be semantic differences in certain cases. You can see the distinction in the two example sentences below:

• Emi expects Jack to come to the party. 

• Emi expects that Jack will come to the party. 

III. Common words/phrases that go with Expect in English

Here are some common collocations and idioms with Expect in English that you can refer to for more natural and fluent English usage:

IV. Distinguishing Expect, Hope and Look Forward To

Do “Hope” and “Look Forward To” synonym for Expect? for Expect, Hope, and Look forward to are all used to express the speaker's desire regarding an upcoming event. However, there are differences in their meanings. Let’s analyze each term closely:

1. Distinguishing Expect and Hope

2. Distinguishing Expect and Look forward to

V. Exercises with Expect in English

To better understand Expect in English, let’s complete the exercises below!

1. Exercise

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.

1. We ____ they aren’t late.

2. We still ____ them to do it.

3. Adam doesn’t ____ to the holidays – Adam still has to work.

4. She ____ so much of me that I think I’ll disappoint them.

5. They ____ you to work a six-day week.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct form of the verb in parentheses.

1. I am expecting your team ________  (join) this competition. 

2. David is expecting ________ (have) another chance. 

3. She expects that he’ll ________ (wear) that bright blue shirt.

4. He doesn’t expect her ________ (pass) the test.

5. Crystal is expected ________ (be) a good teacher.

2. Answer 

The above information covers all the necessary structures and knowledge about Expect in English. Don't forget to complete your homework to become proficient in this grammar topic. Wishing you effective studying!