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.)

David and Jill are expectant parents.

December 26, 2017