Hope vs Expect: What's the Difference?

B1 Verbs

What's the Difference?

Hope refers to wishing for a desired outcome to happen, while expect means thinking that an outcome is likely to occur.

Memory Tip: hope = wishful thinking, expect = likely outcome

hope has long 'o', expect has short 'e'

hope /hoʊp/

verb

To want something to happen or be true.

Example:

I hope the weather will be sunny for our picnic tomorrow.

Common patterns:

I hope We hope

hope →

hope /hoʊp/

noun

Hope is when you want something good to happen.

Example:

I hope the weather will be sunny for our picnic tomorrow.

Common patterns:

lose hope give hope false hope

hope →

expect /ɪkˈspɛkt/

verb

To think that something will happen or that someone will do something.

Example:

If you study hard, I expect you will pass the exam with good marks.

Common patterns:

expect someone to do something expect something to happen

expect →

Common Mistakes

I expect to win the lottery this weekend.

I hope to win the lottery this weekend.

Winning the lottery is uncertain, so 'hope' is appropriate for wishing for this outcome.

I hope the train arrives on time, as it usually does.

I expect the train arrives on time, as it usually does.

Since the train usually arrives on time, 'expect' is appropriate because it's likely to happen.

Quick Practice

0/3 correct

1. I ____ the weather will be sunny for our picnic tomorrow.

2. I ____ the weather will be sunny for our picnic tomorrow.

3. If you study hard, I ____ you will pass the exam with good marks.

Other Confusing Words

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