ESEN
Which one to use?Beginnerverbverb
ExpectvsWait
"Expect" is to anticipate something mentally; "wait" is to remain somewhere until something happens.
Side-by-side comparison
Expect
verb"Expect" means to anticipate or have the expectation that something will happen. It does not imply being stationary; you can expect something while going about your life.
I expect the meeting will finish by three o'clock.
She expected him to call, but he never did.
Do not expect me to agree with everything you say.
Wait
verb"Wait" means to stay in a place or state until something happens. It does imply being stationary: "Wait here" = stay here without moving.
She waited for two hours at the airport before his flight landed.
Wait here. I will be right back.
How long have you been waiting?
Common mistake
In Spanish "esperar" covers both, but in English they are different verbs. "I am waiting you here" is wrong: "wait" needs "for" ("I am waiting for you here"). "Expect" = to anticipate mentally. "Wait for" = to remain somewhere physically.
Trick to remember it
- •"Expect" = your mind anticipates something.
- •"Wait (for)" = your body remains somewhere.
- •"Expect" + subject + infinitive ("I expect it to rain").
- •"Wait" + "for" + noun ("wait for the bus").
Quick rule
- •"Expect" = to anticipate mentally.
- •"Wait (for)" = to remain somewhere physically.
Did you know?
"Hope" is a third verb that also translates "esperar" in Spanish, adding more complexity. All three together: "hope" = to wish something happens, "expect" = to predict it will happen, "wait for" = to stay there until it happens. "I hope she calls" (I wish she would). "I expect she will call" (I predict she will). "I am waiting for her call" (I am there awaiting the call). Three distinct shades for one Spanish verb, and three completely different verbs in English.
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
I'm _____ ing for the bus. It should be here in five minutes.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
I'm _____ a package from the shop. It should arrive tomorrow.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Related word pairs
HopevsWish
One desires something possible, the other desires something impossible or contrary to reality.
StillvsYet
"Still" means something continues to happen; "yet" means something has not happened but is expected.
AbovevsOver
"Above" is at a higher level without contact; "over" implies covering, movement, or crossing.
ActuallyvsReally
"Actually" corrects or contrasts an assumption; "really" intensifies or confirms.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy