Are you confused about whether to use “expected” or “expect” in your writing? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. These two words can be easily mixed up, but fear not, we’re here to help you distinguish between the two.
We should clarify which of the two is the proper word to use. Both “expected” and “expect” are correct words, but they are used in different contexts. “Expected” is the past participle of the verb “expect,” which means to anticipate or look forward to something. “Expect,” on the other hand, is a verb that means to believe that something will happen or to demand that something should happen.
So, in short, “expected” means something that was anticipated or looked forward to in the past, while “expect” means to believe or demand that something will happen in the future.
Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s dive deeper into the differences between these two words and how to use them correctly in your writing.
Define Expected
Expected is an adjective that refers to something that is anticipated, predicted, or foreseen. It is used to describe an event, outcome, or behavior that is considered likely or probable based on past experiences, statistical data, or other factors. For example, if a company releases a new product and it is expected to sell well based on market research and consumer demand, it means that the company anticipates the product will be successful.
Expected can also be used to describe a level of performance or behavior that is considered normal or acceptable. For instance, if an employee consistently meets the expected standards of their job, it means they are performing adequately and meeting the requirements set forth by their employer.
Define Expect
Expect is a verb that means to anticipate or look forward to something happening. It is used to describe a belief or hope that something will occur in the future. For example, if a person expects to receive a promotion at work, it means they believe it will happen in the near future.
Expect can also be used to describe a demand or requirement that is placed on someone or something. For instance, if a teacher expects their students to complete their homework assignments, it means they require the students to do so in order to meet the expectations of the class.
Expected Vs. Expect
| Expected | Expect |
|---|---|
| Adjective | Verb |
| Describes something that is anticipated or predicted | Describes a belief or hope that something will happen |
| Can describe a level of performance or behavior that is considered normal or acceptable | Can describe a demand or requirement that is placed on someone or something |
While expected and expect are related in meaning, they are different parts of speech and are used in different ways. Expected is an adjective that describes something that is anticipated or predicted, while expect is a verb that describes a belief or hope that something will happen. Additionally, expected can be used to describe a level of performance or behavior that is considered normal or acceptable, while expect can be used to describe a demand or requirement that is placed on someone or something.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
In order to effectively communicate, it is important to understand the difference between “expected” and “expect.” These two words may seem similar, but they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in a sentence.
How To Use “Expected” In A Sentence
The word “expected” is typically used to describe something that is anticipated or predicted to happen. It is often used to convey a sense of certainty or inevitability. Here are some examples:
- She is expected to arrive at the office by 9am.
- The company’s earnings were lower than expected.
- It is expected to rain this afternoon.
As you can see, “expected” is used to describe something that is likely to happen or has been previously predicted. It is important to note that “expected” is typically used in the past or present tense, and not the future tense.
How To Use “Expect” In A Sentence
The word “expect” is used to describe something that is anticipated or hoped for, but not necessarily guaranteed to happen. It is often used to convey a sense of possibility or uncertainty. Here are some examples:
- I expect that we will finish the project by next week.
- He expects to receive a promotion soon.
- We did not expect the meeting to last so long.
As you can see, “expect” is used to describe something that may or may not happen in the future. It is important to note that “expect” is typically used in the present or future tense, and not the past tense.
More Examples Of Expected & Expect Used In Sentences
In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use “expected” and “expect” in a sentence. Understanding the proper usage of these words is important for effective communication.
Examples Of Using “Expected” In A Sentence:
- The expected arrival time of the train is 3:15 pm.
- She expected to receive a promotion after working at the company for five years.
- The weather forecasters expected rain all week, but it turned out to be sunny.
- As expected, the new restaurant was crowded on opening night.
- The expected cost of the project is $10,000.
- He expected to feel nervous before his speech, but he was surprisingly calm.
- The expected turnout for the event is 500 people.
- She expected her team to win the championship game, but they lost.
- As expected, the stock market experienced a downturn after the company’s announcement.
- The expected delivery date for the package is next Monday.
Examples Of Using “Expect” In A Sentence:
- I expect to finish this project by the end of the week.
- We expect our employees to arrive on time for work.
- The doctor expects the patient to make a full recovery.
- She expects her children to do their homework before watching TV.
- He expects his team to work hard and meet their goals.
- We expect our suppliers to provide high-quality products.
- The company expects to increase profits by 20% this quarter.
- She expects her partner to be honest and faithful in their relationship.
- He expects to receive a raise after his performance review.
- We expect the traffic to be heavy during rush hour.
By using “expected” and “expect” correctly, you can ensure that your message is clear and easily understood. Remember to consider the context of the sentence and choose the appropriate word to convey your intended meaning.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “expected” and “expect,” many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when using these words:
Using “Expected” As A Verb
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “expected” as a verb. For example, saying “I expected you to be here” is incorrect. The correct form of this sentence would be “I expected that you would be here.” The word “expected” is actually a past participle and should be used as an adjective, not a verb.
Using “Expect” In The Past Tense
Another common mistake is using “expect” in the past tense. For example, saying “Yesterday, I expect him to arrive” is incorrect. The correct form of this sentence would be “Yesterday, I expected him to arrive.” The word “expect” is a present tense verb and should not be used in the past tense.
Not Using The Correct Form Of The Verb
Another mistake people make is not using the correct form of the verb. For example, saying “I’m expecting to finish the project tomorrow” is incorrect. The correct form of this sentence would be “I expect to finish the project tomorrow.” The word “expecting” is a present participle and should not be used as the main verb.
To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to be aware of the correct usage of these words. Here are some tips to help you avoid making these mistakes:
- Always use “expected” as an adjective, not a verb.
- Remember that “expect” is a present tense verb and should not be used in the past tense.
- Use the correct form of the verb, depending on the tense of the sentence.
Context Matters
Choosing between the words “expected” and “expect” can be a matter of context, as the meaning of each word can change depending on how they are used.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Consider the following examples:
| Context | Example Sentence | Correct Use of Word |
|---|---|---|
| Expectations | “I expect to receive a promotion this year.” | Expect |
| Anticipated Outcomes | “The expected outcome of this experiment is a decrease in temperature.” | Expected |
| Etiquette | “It is expected that you RSVP to the wedding invitation.” | Expected |
| Grammar | “I didn’t expect to see you here.” | Expect |
As demonstrated in the table, the choice between “expected” and “expect” can depend on the context in which they are used. In the context of expectations or etiquette, “expected” is the correct choice. In the context of anticipated outcomes or grammar, “expect” is the correct choice.
It is important to consider the context carefully when choosing between these two words, as using the wrong word can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. By understanding the nuances of each word and the context in which they are used, you can ensure that your writing is clear and effective.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “expected” and “expect” are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where they might not apply. Below are some examples:
1. Idiomatic Expressions
Idiomatic expressions are phrases that have a meaning that is not necessarily related to the literal definitions of the words used. In some cases, these expressions might use “expected” or “expect” in a way that deviates from the standard rules.
| Example | Correct Usage | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| It’s par for the course to be expected to work overtime during busy season. | Expected | This is an idiomatic expression that means “it’s typical or usual”. |
| I didn’t expect that curveball in the middle of her presentation. | Expect | This is an idiomatic expression that means “to anticipate or be prepared for something unexpected”. |
2. Technical Jargon
In technical fields, certain terms might have a specific meaning that differs from their everyday usage. In these cases, “expected” and “expect” might be used in a way that is unique to the field.
| Example | Correct Usage | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The expected value of a random variable is the average of all possible outcomes. | Expected | In statistics, “expected value” has a specific definition that refers to the average outcome of a random variable. |
| We expect the new software release to improve system performance by 20%. | Expect | In software development, “expect” might be used to mean “to predict or estimate”. |
3. Regional Differences
Language usage can vary by region, and there might be cases where “expected” and “expect” are used differently in different parts of the world.
| Example | Correct Usage | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| It’s expected to queue up for food in the UK. | Expected | In the UK, “queueing” is a common practice, and it is expected that people will form a line to wait for food. |
| We expect to stand in line for hours at the amusement park. | Expect | In the US, “standing in line” is the more common phrase for waiting, and “expect” can be used to indicate that a long wait is anticipated. |
By understanding these exceptions, you can use “expected” and “expect” more effectively in your writing and communication.
Practice Exercises
Improving your understanding and use of expected and expect can be done through practice exercises. Here are some exercises you can do to enhance your skills:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
| Sentence | Expected or Expect? |
|---|---|
| The boss ___________ the report to be finished by Friday. | Expected |
| I ___________ to get a promotion this year. | Expect |
| The weatherman ___________ rain tomorrow. | Expects |
| The teacher ___________ the students to study for the exam. | Expected |
Answer Key:
- The boss expected the report to be finished by Friday.
- I expect to get a promotion this year.
- The weatherman expects rain tomorrow.
- The teacher expected the students to study for the exam.
Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:
- She ___________ her guests to arrive at 7pm.
- The company ___________ a profit this quarter.
- He ___________ to win the race.
- The project team ___________ to finish the project by next month.
Answer Key:
- Expected
- Expected
- Expects
- Expects
By practicing exercises like these, you can improve your understanding and use of expected and expect in sentences.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between “expected” and “expect,” it is clear that these two words are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that should be understood. “Expected” is a past participle that refers to something that has already happened, while “expect” is a verb that refers to something that is anticipated or predicted to happen in the future.
It is important to understand the nuances of language and grammar to communicate effectively and avoid confusion. By using the correct word in the appropriate context, we can convey our thoughts and ideas with clarity and precision.
Key Takeaways
- “Expected” is a past participle that refers to something that has already happened.
- “Expect” is a verb that refers to something that is anticipated or predicted to happen in the future.
- Understanding the differences between these two words can help us communicate more effectively.
Overall, it is important to continue learning about grammar and language use to improve our communication skills. By expanding our knowledge and understanding of language, we can become better writers, speakers, and communicators.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.