expect

expect — verb

1. to believe that a particular event will take place in the future, or that someon

1.動詞及物A2
釋義

to believe that a particular event will take place in the future, or that someone is going to arrive at a certain time.

例句

Zuri expects the package to arrive before Friday.

expect + object + to-infinitive

Feng never expected to see his childhood friend at the conference.

expect + to-infinitive

同義詞
  • anticipate

    slightly more formal, often suggests looking forward with interest or preparation

  • predict

    stronger emphasis on forecasting based on evidence or analysis, often for specific outcomes

  • foresee

    suggests seeing ahead based on knowledge or intuition, slightly more formal

反義詞
  • doubt

    to think something is unlikely to happen

文法句型

expect + noun phrase

expect + to-infinitive

expect + object + to-infinitive

expect + that-clause

用法筆記

Commonly takes an object followed by a to-infinitive (expect someone to do something). The that-clause form is more formal and common in writing.

常見錯誤

❌I expect you come to the party.
✅I expect you to come to the party.
💡After 'expect', use a to-infinitive, not a bare verb.
❌I expect it will rains tomorrow.
✅I expect it will rain tomorrow.
💡The verb in a that-clause after 'expect' stays in base form for future reference.

2. to be the usual, normal, or likely situation, often because experience has shown

2.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to be the usual, normal, or likely situation, often because experience has shown it happens that way.

例句

As expected, the store was closed when we arrived after eight.

as expected (fixed phrase)

A certain amount of nervousness is to be expected before a job interview.

is to be expected (fixed expression)

同義詞
  • normal

    direct adjective describing the usual state, less about anticipation

  • predictable

    carries a stronger implication that the outcome could have been known in advance

反義詞
  • unexpected

    describes something that is not normal or surprising

  • surprising

    opposite of predictable or normal

文法句型

something + be + expected

it + be + expected + that-clause

as + expected

to be expected

用法筆記

Frequently appears in passive constructions (be expected) or fixed phrases (as expected, to be expected). The subject is usually an event, situation, or behaviour — not a person.

常見錯誤

❌A small fee expects.
✅A small fee is expected.
💡This sense uses the passive voice; the thing that is normal does not 'expect' actively.

3. to feel that someone has a duty to behave in a certain way, or to believe that a

3.動詞及物B1
釋義

to feel that someone has a duty to behave in a certain way, or to believe that a particular standard or action is necessary as a matter of responsibility.

例句

The school expects parents to attend three meetings each term.

expect + object + to-infinitive (duty)

Her manager expects her to finish the report by noon tomorrow.

同義詞
  • require

    stronger, more formal — suggests a rule or policy rather than a personal belief

  • demand

    stronger, more forceful — suggests the speaker has authority to enforce compliance

  • count on

    less formal, focuses on relying on someone rather than requiring

反義詞
  • allow

    to permit rather than require a certain behaviour

文法句型

expect + object + to-infinitive

expect + that-clause

be expected + of + noun

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1 (ANTICIPATE): sense 3 carries a sense of duty or requirement — the person being expected to do something has an obligation, not just a predicted action. Subject is often an authority figure or institution.

常見錯誤

❌The teacher expects from the students silence.
✅The teacher expects silence from the students.
💡The object of 'expect' comes directly after the verb; 'from' introduces the source of the expected behaviour.

4. to be in the state of carrying a developing baby inside the body — used only in

4.動詞及物B1
釋義

to be in the state of carrying a developing baby inside the body — used only in the progressive form (is expecting).

例句

Dylan's sister is expecting her first baby in March.

is expecting + a baby (progressive required)

The couple announced that they are expecting twins.

同義詞

文法句型

be + expecting + a baby / a child / twins

be + expecting

用法筆記

This sense is only used in the progressive form (be expecting). You cannot say 'She expects a baby' — it must be 'She is expecting a baby.' Common with a baby/child/twins as object, or used alone (be expecting) to mean 'be pregnant.'

常見錯誤

❌She expects a baby in June.
✅She is expecting a baby in June.
💡This sense requires the progressive form (be + expecting).
❌He is expecting a baby.
✅Natural if he is the father, but more commonly used for the mother. For fathers, 'his wife/partner is expecting' is clearer.