Word of the Day: Expect
To expect something is to believe it will happen in the future or to have some confidence in a person’s abilities.
- I expect my students to pay attention.
- You expect your teacher to provide good lessons.
- We’re expecting a package to be delivered within the next few days.
- I’m expecting an important phone call regarding a job.
- What do you expect will happen to a person who eats too much junk food?
- What do you expect will happen in 2018?
The word “expect” is often used in the passive voice:
- The employees are expected to finish all of their work before they leave for the day.
- The home team is expected to win the game.
- Tom and Preena are expected to get married next year.
- The guests to the party were expected to come on time, but most of them arrived late.
- Snow is expected for tomorrow.
- Much is expected of those who are born into wealth and privilege.
The word “expectation” is used as a noun:
- Expectations for the Minnesota Vikings are high this year.
- Expectations of success are high.
- It can be difficult to meet the expectations that other people have of you.
- It became impossible for Dawid to meet his parents’ high expectations.
The word “expecting” is often used when talking about a woman who is pregnant.
- Eesha and Ali are expecting a baby girl.
- Sarah looks like she’s expecting.
- Luke and Sandra say they’re expecting their baby will arrive in May. (Read and Luke and Sandra in the Red Level.)
- They’re expectant parents. (The word “expectant” is an adjective.)
Essential English Dictionary
Visit the Popular English Words Beginning with E page to see the list of all words starting with letter E. For seeing the HiCafe dictionary, visit the Popular English Words with Meaning page.
