Using the verb ‘anticipate’ correctly in sentences can significantly improve the clarity and expressiveness of your English communication. The word ‘anticipate’ means to expect or look forward to something, often with a sense of preparation or excitement. It can also imply predicting or dealing with something in advance. Understanding how to use ‘anticipate’ in various sentence structures will help you convey feelings of expectation and readiness more effectively. This topic will explore the meaning of ‘anticipate,’ provide examples of how to use it in sentences, discuss common mistakes, and offer tips for using this verb properly in everyday conversation and writing.
Meaning of ‘Anticipate’
The verb ‘anticipate’ has several related meanings, all revolving around the idea of looking forward or preparing for something before it happens. Primarily, it means to expect or foresee a future event. Additionally, it can imply acting in advance to handle or prepare for a situation.
Key Definitions
- To expect something: Thinking that something will happen in the future.
- To look forward to something: Feeling excitement or eagerness about a future event.
- To prepare for something: Taking action ahead of time based on expectations.
For example, if you ‘anticipate rain,’ you expect it will rain and might take an umbrella. If you ‘anticipate a celebration,’ you look forward to it with excitement.
How to Use ‘Anticipate’ in Sentences
‘Anticipate’ is a transitive verb, which means it usually takes a direct object. The object is typically a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase representing the event, action, or thing expected.
Basic Sentence Structure
Subject + anticipate + object
- We anticipate a busy day tomorrow.
- She anticipates his arrival eagerly.
- The company anticipates increased sales next quarter.
In these examples, the verb ‘anticipate’ directly relates to the object that is expected or prepared for.
Using ‘Anticipate’ with Gerunds
Sometimes ‘anticipate’ can be followed by a gerund (verb + -ing) to indicate expecting or preparing for an action.
- They anticipate needing extra staff for the event.
- I anticipate facing some challenges during the project.
Here, the gerund phrase functions as the object of ‘anticipate.’
Examples of ‘Anticipate’ in Different Contexts
Understanding the various ways ‘anticipate’ is used in everyday speech and writing helps to grasp its flexibility.
1. Expecting an Event
This is the most straightforward use of ‘anticipate,’ where the subject expects something to happen.
- We anticipate a successful outcome from the negotiations.
- Students anticipate the start of the new semester.
- He anticipates a lot of traffic during rush hour.
2. Looking Forward to Something
Sometimes ‘anticipate’ carries a positive feeling of excitement about a future event.
- She anticipates her birthday party with great enthusiasm.
- They anticipate a wonderful vacation next month.
- We anticipate meeting new friends at the conference.
3. Preparing for Something
In this sense, ‘anticipate’ means to act in advance based on expectations.
- The team anticipates potential problems and prepares solutions.
- We anticipated the weather changes and brought extra clothes.
- He anticipates questions from the audience and prepares his answers.
Common Mistakes When Using ‘Anticipate’
Even though ‘anticipate’ is a useful verb, some learners misuse it or confuse it with similar words.
Confusing ‘Anticipate’ with ‘Expect’
While these two words are similar, ‘anticipate’ often implies some preparation or emotional feeling, whereas ‘expect’ is more neutral. For example:
- Correct: We anticipate heavy rain, so we packed umbrellas. (Preparation implied)
- Also correct: We expect heavy rain tomorrow. (Simple expectation)
Avoid Using ‘Anticipate’ with ‘To’
‘Anticipate’ should not be followed by ‘to’ plus a verb. The correct form uses the gerund (verb+ing) or a noun instead.
- Incorrect: I anticipate to go to the party.
- Correct: I anticipate going to the party.
- Correct: I anticipate the party.
Using the Right Object
Since ‘anticipate’ is a transitive verb, it needs an object. Avoid using it without one.
- Incorrect: They anticipate. (No object)
- Correct: They anticipate success.
Tips for Using ‘Anticipate’ Effectively
- Pair with nouns or gerunds: Use ‘anticipate’ with a clear object that represents the event or action expected.
- Express preparation or excitement: Use ‘anticipate’ when you want to highlight readiness or eagerness.
- Formal tone: ‘Anticipate’ is often more formal than ‘expect’ or ‘look forward to,’ so choose based on context.
- Use in professional writing: It’s common in business, academic, and official communication.
Examples of Sentences Using ‘Be Anticipate’
Though ‘be anticipate’ is not grammatically correct (because ‘anticipate’ is a verb, and ‘be’ is an auxiliary verb that doesn’t combine naturally with it), you can see ‘be’ combined with ‘anticipated,’ the past participle of ‘anticipate,’ to form passive voice or future constructions.
- The results are anticipated to be released next week.
- The event is anticipated to attract a large crowd.
- Many changes are anticipated in the coming year.
In these examples, ‘be anticipated’ acts as a passive construction, which is often used in formal writing to express expectations.
Using ‘anticipate’ properly in sentences enhances communication by expressing expectation, preparation, and excitement about future events. Remember that ‘anticipate’ requires an object usually a noun or gerund and is often used in formal contexts. Avoid the common mistake of pairing ‘anticipate’ with ‘to’ plus a verb. By mastering its usage and meaning, you can effectively convey your thoughts about what is expected or prepared for in various situations. Whether in professional writing, conversations, or storytelling, ‘anticipate’ helps express forward-looking perspectives clearly and elegantly.