come to expect vs expect

Both 'come to expect' and 'expect' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Come to expect' implies a gradual process of developing expectations over time, while 'expect' is a more straightforward expression of anticipating something. The choice between the two depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Last updated: April 06, 2024 • 95 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a gradual process of developing expectations over time.

"come to expect"

This phrase is used to describe the situation where someone has developed a habit or pattern of expecting something due to repeated experiences or exposure.

Examples:

After years of excellent service, we have come to expect nothing but the best from this company.
Living in a noisy neighborhood, she had come to expect loud parties every weekend.
As a parent, you come to expect the unexpected.
Having worked with him for so long, I have come to expect his attention to detail.
In a fast-paced environment, employees come to expect quick responses to their queries.

Show examples from the web [+]

These challenges only become more difficult as consumers come to expect better looking, higher performing online video experience on any device, anywhere.
CashSplash includes all the classic symbols one has come to expect from any respectable classic styled slot.
A recently renovated hostel, the San Francisco International Hostel has all you've come to expect.
"we've sadly come to expect?"
"we've sadly come to expect?"
Mr President, when things go wrong in a certain region, the world has come to expect ever more from Europe, and rightly so.
"Actually, it's almost what we've come to expect from Apple," he added.
Supergiant's newest game has all the style, mystery and flare we've come to expect from the creators of Bastion.
It comes with most of the features we've come to expect from a phablet, including FHD+ screen, decent cameras and GPS function.
We are committed to providing you with an exceptional service you come to expect in any service providers.
We are telling you that the Earth itself will be warmer, and this affects weather patterns. Humanity has come to expect predictability in the weather.
Perez Hilton commented: "It's everything we've come to expect from a Manson video: harsh cuts, lots of goth-y make-up, and disturbing images galore!"
Woffinden found the album's lyrics "objectionable" and dismissed those on "Māya Love" as part of "the whole oriental mysticism deal we've come to expect from the George we know and are beginning not to love".
Our premier offering, the Lifesize Camera 10x offers the quality you've come to expect from Lifesize, with a 10x optical zoom.
The crew has responded with the dedication I've come to expect.
But I've come to expect nothing less from you.
Massive functionality, inter-connectivity, and the simplicity one has come to expect from the Hooli family.
You think you'd come to expect the unexpected.
In Slovakia, they have gradually come to expect that from me.
No, you get her something great, and she'll come to expect that level of gift.

Alternatives:

have come to expect
gradually expect
develop expectations
grow accustomed to expecting
anticipate over time

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express anticipation or belief that something will happen.

"expect"

This phrase is used to indicate a straightforward anticipation or belief that something will occur or be the case.

Examples:

I expect the package to arrive by tomorrow.
She didn't expect to see him at the party.
We expect great things from our team this season.
He expects to be promoted soon.
Don't expect everything to go according to plan.

Show examples from the web [+]

We expect that photos are revealed.
Health benefits you can expect from KouTea.
And expect whiteouts and blizzard-like conditions.
A soldier's wife must expect privations.
We cannot expect everything from others...
Thirdly, we must expect things to change gradually.
I expect they forgot their passkey.
I told them to expect greatness.
I will expect your resignation tomorrow.
Accidents happen when you least expect.
I expect proof of real progress soon.
I expect to become an honorary member someday.
So we can expect a rehearsed response.
We can expect a hard-hitting bout tonight.
I just expect more from life.
And Renwick too infamous to expect fairness.
His Imperial Majesty's court will expect compensation.
But, people expect it sometimes.
I expect a Panzer crew next.
Parents expect everything from their children.

Alternatives:

anticipate
foresee
count on
look forward to
be prepared for

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