What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
anticipating
Example
I am anticipating the arrival of my family for the holidays. [anticipating: verb]
Example
The students were eagerly anticipating the announcement of the exam results. [anticipating: gerund or present participle]
expect
Example
I expect the package to arrive tomorrow. [expect: verb]
Example
She has high expectations for her performance in the competition. [expectations: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expect is more commonly used than anticipate in everyday language. Expect is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while anticipate is less common and tends to be used in more specific or subjective situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between anticipating and expect?
While anticipating is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, expecting is more formal and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
