What is expect? Pronunciation and usage in English

expect means . Learn how to pronounce and use expect through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of expect

expectverb

/ɪkˈspɛkt//ɛkˈspɛkt/
Definition & pronunciation of expect

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "expect" in English. It's a common stumbling block for learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "ex": This is pronounced like "eks" – just like the letter 'x'. Think of saying "eks" quickly.
  • "pect": This is the trickiest part. It's a diphthong, meaning it's a combination of two vowel sounds. It sounds like "peck" (as in, the bird's beak).

2. Putting it Together:

So, you'll say something like: "eks-peck"

3. Emphasis:

  • The stress is on the first syllable: EXpect.

4. Listen for Yourself - This is Crucial!

The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources to help:

Tips for Saying It Correctly:

  • Don’t say “ex-pect” like you're separating two words. The 'e' in "pect" blends into the 'x'.
  • Focus on the "peck" sound. Really try to make that sound.
  • Practice slowly at first. Then, speed up as you get more comfortable.

Would you like me to:

  • Break down the sounds even further?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word expect in English

Let's break down how to use the word "expect" in English. It's a very versatile word with a few different meanings and usages. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. To Anticipate or Predict (Most Common)

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent use. It means to think that something will happen, or to believe something is likely to occur.
  • Structure: expect + noun/pronoun + [to be/to do] + verb
  • Examples:
    • "I expect to finish the report by Friday." (I predict I'll finish it by Friday.)
    • "She expects rain tomorrow." (She believes it’s likely to rain tomorrow.)
    • "Don’t expect me to do all the work!" (Don't anticipate that I will do all the work – I won’t.)
    • "We expect a large turnout at the concert." (We anticipate a lot of people attending.)

2. To Be Entitled to (Rights & Obligations)

  • Meaning: To have a right to something; to be deserving of something.
  • Structure: expect + noun/pronoun + [to have/receive/do] + [something]
  • Examples:
    • "Employees expect fair wages." (Employees are entitled to and deserve fair wages.)
    • "He expects a discount because he’s a loyal customer." (He believes he’s entitled to a discount.)
    • "Parents expect their children to respect them." (Parents believe they have the right to be respected.)

3. To Receive (Formal/Polite)

  • Meaning: A more formal way of saying "to receive." Often used when referring to something given as a gift or payment.
  • Structure: expect + noun/pronoun + [to receive/be given] + [something]
  • Examples:
    • "The company expects to receive a large order next month." (The company anticipates receiving a large order.)
    • "I expect a thank-you note." (I anticipate receiving a thank-you note.)

4. (Informal) To Demand / Imply

  • Meaning: (More casual) This usage implies that something should happen, often with a touch of reproach or a subtle demand.
  • Structure: expect + noun/pronoun + [to do] + verb
  • Examples:
    • "He expects me to be on time!" (He's implying that I should be on time.) - (Can be a bit forceful)
    • "She expects you to apologize." (She is implying you should apologize.)

Key Considerations & Variations:

  • "Expectation": This is the noun form – it refers to what you anticipate or believe will happen. "My expectation is that the project will be completed on time."

  • "Expecting": This is the present participle – used with auxiliary verbs (like "to be," "to have," "to go"). “I am expecting a phone call.” “We were expecting the train.”

  • "To expect something to happen" vs. "To expect something": "To expect something to happen" is more common and emphasizes the anticipation of an event. "To expect something" can sometimes just refer to a general right or entitlement.

  • Tone: “Expect” can sometimes sound a little critical or demanding, especially in the informal usage. Be mindful of your tone when using it.

Here's a quick table to summarize:

Usage Meaning Structure Example
Anticipate/Predict To think something will happen expect + [noun/pronoun] + to I expect it to rain.
Entitled to To have a right to expect + [noun/pronoun] + to They expect a salary increase.
Receive (Formal) To be entitled to something expect + [noun/pronoun] + to We expect your feedback.
Demand/Imply (Informal) To imply something should happen expect + [noun/pronoun] + to He expects me to be there.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "expect" in? (e.g., a conversation, a written essay, a specific topic?)

Synonyms for the word expect

Idioms of the word expect

be expecting (a baby/child)
(informal)to be pregnant
  • Ann's expecting a baby in June.
  • I didn't know she was expecting!
be (only) to be expected
to be likely to happen; to be quite normal
  • A little tiredness after taking the medication is to be expected.
what (else) do you expect?
(informal)used to tell somebody not to be surprised by something
  • She swore at you? What do you expect when you treat her like that?

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