What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
expect
Example
I expect the package to arrive tomorrow. [expect: verb]
Example
She has high expectations for her new job. [expectations: noun]
predict
Example
The weatherman predicts rain for tomorrow. [predicts: verb]
Example
Experts predict that the economy will improve next year. [predict: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expect is more commonly used than predict in everyday language. Expect is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while predict is less common and often used in more formal or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between expect and predict?
Predict is typically associated with a more formal tone, while expect is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.