What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
expects
Example
She expects her package to arrive tomorrow. [expects: verb]
Example
He expects his team to win the game tonight. [expects: verb]
Example
I expect that it will rain later today. [expect: verb]
anticipate
Example
I anticipate having a great time at the party tonight. [anticipate: verb]
Example
The company anticipates a rise in profits next quarter. [anticipates: verb]
Example
She is anticipating a difficult conversation with her boss. [anticipating: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expect is more common in everyday language than anticipate. It is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while anticipate is more formal and less commonly used.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between expects and anticipate?
Anticipate is more formal than expect and is often used in professional or academic settings. Expect is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.