expect
verb (used with object)
to look forward to; regard as likely to happen; anticipate the occurrence or the coming of.
was expecting
-
past progressiveof expect.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Kelly Dalley knew her baby had a heart condition and was expecting to travel from Dundee to Glasgow for surgery after she was born.
From BBC ● Sep. 16, 2026
Boston Scientific in late July said it was expecting sales growth of 3% to 5% in the third quarter and 5.5% to 6.5% for the full year.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was expecting the envoys on Sunday.
From Barron's ● Sep. 6, 2026
The medicine now carries warnings about use during pregnancy, but Susan Jamison, now 60, said she was not told about the possible consequences when she was expecting babies in 1990s.
From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026
I feint right, and just as I was expecting, he takes the bait, following my body.
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
