expect

expectverb

To expect something is to believe that it will happen or that it should happen.

1. think will happenthink or believe that something will happen or be true

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] verb + to-infinitive [V + to-inf] verb + that-clause [V + that] verb + object + to-infinitive [V + obj + to-inf]

   • We expect rain later today. V + obj
   • I didn't expect to see you here. V + to-inf
   • She expects that prices will go up. V + that
   • Nobody expected the team to win. V + obj + to-inf

   Collocations

   adverb + verb fully expect, half expect, reasonably expect

   phrase expect the worst, be widely expected

   Compare hope; wait

2. arrivalbelieve that someone or something will arrive soon, usually because it has been planned

   Often in the continuous: We are expecting visitors. It is about knowing that someone or something will come, not about the time spent waiting.

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj]

   • We're expecting guests tonight. V + obj
   • Are you expecting a package? V + obj
   • I'm expecting a call from the doctor. V + obj

   Collocations

   verb + noun expect a visitor, expect a call, expect a letter, expect a delivery

3. should dothink that someone should do something, because it is right or is part of their duty

   transitive [T] verb + object + to-infinitive [V + obj + to-inf] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj] verb + object [V + obj]

   • My parents expect me to help at home. V + obj + to-inf
   • Workers are expected to arrive on time. V + obj + to-inf (passive)
   • Don't expect me to wait forever. V + obj + to-inf
   • You can't expect much from such a cheap hotel. V + obj + prep + obj

   Collocations

   verb + preposition expect something of someone, expect something from someone

   phrase be expected to do something

4. have a babybe going to have a baby

   Used only in the continuous, be expecting, often with no object. It is a polite, everyday way to say that a woman is pregnant.

   transitive or intransitive [T/I] verb + object [V + obj]

   • My sister is expecting again.
   • They're expecting their second child. V + obj

5. supposethink that something is probably true

   Common in speech, especially as I expect at the start of a sentence and in I expect so and I don't expect so. The word that is usually left out.

   transitive [T] verb + that-clause [V + that] British

   • I expect you're hungry after your trip. V + that
   • 'Will she come?' 'I expect so.'
   • I expect he forgot. V + that

   Synonyms suppose; guess