they expected vs they were expecting

Both 'they expected' and 'they were expecting' are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'They expected' is used to simply state a past expectation, while 'they were expecting' emphasizes the ongoing nature of the expectation in the past.

Last updated: March 26, 2024

they expected

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to state a past expectation.

This phrase is used to simply state that someone had an expectation in the past.

Examples:

They expected the package to arrive yesterday.
She expected him to call her back.

Alternatives:

they anticipated
they foresaw
they thought

they were expecting

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize an ongoing expectation in the past.

This phrase is used to highlight that someone was in the state of expecting something in the past.

Examples:

They were expecting a big turnout at the event.
She was expecting a promotion at work.

Alternatives:

they were anticipating
they were looking forward to
they were counting on

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they expected vs they were expecting

they expected

they were expecting

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