expecting
/ɪkˈspekt/ (bre, ipa) · [ɪkspˈɛktɪŋ] /ɪkˈspekt/ (ame, ipa) · [ɪkspˈɛktɪŋ] /ik-ˈspekt How to pronounce expect (audio)/ (ame, mw)
expecting — verb
- expectingpresent simple I / you / we / they
- expectings3rd person singular
- expectinging-ing form
- expectingedpast simple
1. (present participle of 'expect') thinking that an event, message, or arrival is
(present participle of 'expect') thinking that an event, message, or arrival is likely to come soon.
Trang is expecting heavy rain before the ferry leaves the island.
expecting + likely event
Christopher was expecting a call from the hospital after the scan.
expecting a call
Dahlia is expecting the repair team around noon, so stay home.
Saira wasn't expecting the parcel this early on Sunday.
- anticipating
slightly more active or formal, often suggesting preparation as well
- awaiting
more formal and often focused on waiting for an outcome
- counting on
less neutral because it suggests relying on the result
- doubting
suggests you think the event may not happen
- disbelieving
stronger; you do not accept that the event is likely
文法句型
be expecting + news/call/visitor
be expecting + person/thing + time
not be expecting + early arrival
用法筆記
Usually used for something you think is on the way, such as weather, visitors, news, or a phone call. Distinguish from sense 2, which is about feeling a result or treatment should be given to you.
常見錯誤
2. (present participle of 'expect') treating a result, reward, or kind of treatment
(present participle of 'expect') treating a result, reward, or kind of treatment as something that should normally be given to you.
Paloma is expecting an apology after the waiter laughed at her accent.
expecting an apology
Eitan was expecting better seats after paying for the premium package.
Sade isn't expecting praise; she just wants fair treatment at work.
Min is expecting the school to refund the cancelled trip fee.
- feeling entitled
stronger and often negative, especially when the attitude seems unreasonable
- taking for granted
emphasises assuming the result without showing appreciation
- assuming
broader and more neutral; it does not always imply a sense of right
文法句型
be expecting + apology/refund/reward
be expecting + better treatment
be expecting + institution + to + act
用法筆記
This sense is about what you feel ought to happen for you, not about ordering somebody around. Distinguish from sense 3: there the focus is on another person's duty or behaviour, while here the focus is on the result or treatment you think should come to you.
3. (present participle of 'expect') wanting somebody to act in a certain way becaus
(present participle of 'expect') wanting somebody to act in a certain way because you see it as their duty or the standard they should meet.
Walid is expecting the interns to finish the labels before lunch.
expecting + person + to + verb
Michael was expecting quiet behaviour during the memorial service.
Matthew isn't expecting you to solve everything alone, just start.
The coach is expecting full effort from every player at practice.
- demanding
stronger and often less polite
- requiring
more formal and common in rules or instructions
- counting on
softer; it stresses reliance as much as duty
文法句型
be expecting + person + to + verb
be expecting + behaviour/effort
be expecting + standard + from + person
用法筆記
Most often used with a person who must do something, or with a standard such as quiet behaviour, respect, or full effort. Distinguish from sense 2, which is about what you think you should receive rather than what someone else should do.
常見錯誤
4. (present participle of 'expect') pregnant, especially in everyday speech where p
(present participle of 'expect') pregnant, especially in everyday speech where people want a softer way to say it.
Mrs. Parker is expecting her first child in October.
expecting a first child
After the scan, Dr. Okafor told the patient she was expecting.
softer way to say pregnant
The yoga teacher stopped lifting heavy boxes after learning she was expecting.
The whole table smiled because the bride was expecting twins.
- pregnant
the direct and most neutral word
- with child
older or literary expression
文法句型
be expecting
be expecting a baby
be expecting twins
用法筆記
Usually said about people, not animals, and often chosen because it sounds softer or more private than 'pregnant'. It most often appears after 'be' and may name the baby with expressions like 'expecting a baby' or 'expecting twins'.