What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
expect
Example
I expect to receive my package by Friday. [expect: verb]
Example
It's expected that all employees attend the meeting. [expected: adjective]
Example
I didn't expect to see you here! [expect: verb]
foresee
Example
The company could not have foreseen the impact of the pandemic on their business. [foreseen: past participle]
Example
Experts foresee a rise in global temperatures over the next decade. [foresee: verb]
Example
She had a feeling that she could foresee the outcome of the election. [foresee: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expect is more commonly used than foresee in everyday language. Expect is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while foresee is less common and is more often used in formal or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between expect and foresee?
Foresee is typically associated with a more formal or academic tone, while expect is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
