Expect vs. Anticipate

Both verbs refer to the belief that something will happen but they differ in the source of the belief. Follow the lesson to find out more.

What is the difference between 'expect' and 'anticipate'?

Both 'expect' and 'anticipate' mean to think or believe that something will happen and be prepared for it. However, 'anticipate' typically involves a sense of waiting or looking forward for the event, while 'expect' indicates a more objective perspective. This lesson will discuss this difference in meaning as well as the grammatical difference between these two verbs.

Objective vs. Subjective Belief

'Expect' generally implies a higher degree of certainty and a more objective viewpoint. When you expect something, you have a strong belief or assumption that it will happen based on logical reasoning, past experiences, or established patterns. 'Anticipate', on the other hand, conveys a more subjective and proactive state of mind, where you are mentally preparing or looking forward to something happening. Anticipation can be driven by hopes, desires, or a sense of eager expectation. Here are some examples:

I expect to receive a response to my email by the end of the day.

She expects the restaurant to be crowded during lunch hours.

They are eagerly anticipating the release of the new movie.

She anticipates receiving good news about her job application.

Grammatical Difference

Both 'expect' and 'anticipate' can be followed by a noun phrase and a 'that- clause'. However, 'expect' can also be followed by a 'to- infinitive' clause or a noun phrase plus a 'to- infinitive' clause while 'anticipate' cannot be followed by 'to- infinitives' but is commonly followed by a present participle clause.

She anticipates a difficult conversation with her boss about a raise.

'anticipate' with a noun phrase as its object

I anticipate that the project will be completed ahead of schedule.

'anticipate' with a 'that- clause' as its object

He anticipates traveling to Europe next year.

'anticipate' with a present participle clause

They expect his arrival at 6 p.m.

'expect' with a noun phrase as its object

They expect that he will arrive at 6 p.m.

'expect' with a that- clause

He expects to arrive at 6 p.m.

'expect' with a to-infinitive clause

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