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?

Practice with vocabulary expect

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. We _____ a positive outcome from the upcoming negotiations.
  2. The company did not _____ such a rapid increase in demand for their new product.
  3. Experts _____ a significant shift in consumer behavior next year due to technological advancements.
  4. She _____ to secure an internship at a top-tier firm this summer, but competition is fierce.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Given his strong track record, we _____ him to deliver exceptional results on this project. A. assume B. expect C. suppose D. hope

  2. The management did not _____ such widespread resistance to the new policy from employees. A. anticipate B. dread C. expect D. foresee

  3. Employees are _____ to complete their mandatory training modules by the end of the week. A. encouraged B. obliged C. expected D. requested

  4. Before making a crucial decision, you should always _____ all possible consequences. A. assume B. contemplate C. presume D. speculate

  5. Medical professionals _____ that the new vaccine will significantly reduce infection rates globally. A. allege B. forecast C. reckon D. surmise

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It is generally believed that the economy will recover next quarter. (Rewrite using "expect")
  2. We hope to receive your detailed feedback within the next 48 hours. (Rewrite using "expect")
  3. The latest environmental report suggests a potential increase in global temperatures over the next decade. (Rewrite, but do not use "expect" or any of its forms)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. We expect a positive outcome from the upcoming negotiations.
  2. The company did not expect such a rapid increase in demand for their new product.
  3. Experts predict a significant shift in consumer behavior next year due to technological advancements.
  4. She hopes to secure an internship at a top-tier firm this summer, but competition is fierce.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B. expect
  2. A. anticipate, C. expect, D. foresee
  3. C. expected
  4. B. contemplate
  5. B. forecast

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The economy is expected to recover next quarter. / Most people expect the economy to recover next quarter.
  2. We expect to receive your detailed feedback within the next 48 hours.
  3. The latest environmental report predicts a potential increase in global temperatures over the next decade. / The latest environmental report projects a potential increase in global temperatures over the next decade.

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