There are a handful of English words that probably translate to similar things in your native language. I have gotten questions about this, so I hope my students’ confusion can become clarity for you. How can you know whether to use wait or expect or look forward to?
wait (for) is about time passing while something does not happen yet
If we wait for something, something should happen sometime soon. The probability is unknown. This verb focuses on the time passing while something does not happen.
Sorry to keep you waiting. There was a traffic jam on my way here.
= I am sorry that we couldn’t have this meeting while I was coming.
I am waiting for the travel agent to send me an email about my trip to Britain.
= I am doing nothing while I wait for a response for my vacation to Britain.
expect is about thinking something will happen
If we expect something, we are almost sure it will happen. It can be wrong, but there is high chance.
My mother expected me to clean the dishes before she came home.
= My mom had the idea that the dish would be done when she returned. If they were not done, she would have been angry. She did not predict dirty dishes.
I expect to travel to Britain over the school break.
= My current plan is to visit Britain. If nothing changes, it should happen. If something changes, I will be disappointed. I do not predict not going.
look forward to is about having excitement for something that will happen soon
If we look forward to something, we are happy it will happen and want it to happen now.
My friend looks forward to the technologies of the future.
= My friend thinks future technology will be great and wants to have it now.
I look forward to travel to Britain over the school break.
= I am happy that my plan is to visit Britain. I wish I could go right now.
- wait (for): doing nothing and being ready for something to happen
- expect: being almost sure something will happen
- look forward to: being excited for something that will happen
Now, you can know if you should use wait or expect or look forward to. If something will happen soon, you will probably use one of these.
If you want to see more English explanations, I have many more on this website.
You can also watch some language learning tips on my YouTube channel.
Keep on learning and look forward to your improvement!
