Common Errors In English: Want, Hope, Wait, Expect

Expect = Believe that something probably will happen
English Error #1

Don’t Say: “She Wants That I Call Her Back.”

Say: “She Wants Me To Call Her Back.”

After want and would like, we normally don’t use “that.”

It’s possible to use “that” after hope or wish, but it’s not necessary:

• I hope that you feel better soon.
  I hope you feel better soon.
• I wish that I hadn’t gotten so angry.
  I wish I hadn’t gotten so angry.

After want and would like, we can use a noun, or a person + to + verb:

• I’d like a drink.
  I’d like you to get me a drink.
• Dan wants some money.
  Dan wants me to lend him some money.

English Error #2

Don’t Say: “I’m Waiting My Friend To Call.”

Say: “I’m Waiting For My Friend To Call.”

Wait = Pass the time until something happens

• It’s 6:45. I’m waiting for the 7:00 bus.
• We waited in line for three hours to get tickets to the concert.
• You need to wait for the computer to finish updating.

Don’t confuse “wait” with hope and expect:

Hope = Want something to happen

• I hope I’ll get a promotion this year!
• I’m sorry to hear you’re sick. I hope you get better soon!
• The traffic is very bad today. I hope I won’t be late.