Learn English – “Expectations of” vs. “expectations for”

differencesgrammaticalityprepositionsword-choice

There are some questions related to this topic (Usage of "expect to" and "expectation to/of" and "Need of" vs. "need for"), but I haven't found one directly addressing this word combination.

I'm trying to determine whether I should use "expectations of" or "expectations for," in the following:

I had to reevaluate my expectations of myself.

I had to reevaluate my expectations of college.

I had to reevaluate my expectations of the future.

OR

I had to reevaluate my expectations for myself.

I had to reevaluate my expectations for college.

I had to reevaluate my expectations for the future.

Is one more grammatically correct than the other in all cases (regardless of the type of noun that follows)? Or, are they both correct in different cases; if so, what are they? Thanks.

Best Answer

Etymologically the verb, 'to expect' is derived from Latin 'ex' and 'spectare' meaning 'look thoroughly' or 'look out for'. From here originates its figurative meaning, ' anticipate' or ' look forward to '. Moreover, 'to expect' is a transitive verb object of which can be a being, a thing or that- front-end subordinate clause. Hence, EXPECTATION, the noun form is really steady with the preposition 'of'. Of course, there are uses of 'for' as well.

  • Our expectations of material gains
  • An infinite expectation of dawn
  • I have a great expectation for Tom of winning.
  • You must meet the expectations of the parents.

The comments above have proved, beyond doubt, that the word has no bias for any particular preposition. Before taking up the two sets of examples, contention same, only prepositions changed < ' of ' to ' for '> we would roughly attempt to diagnose the changes in meaning.

  • Expectation of : desired result already formulated (subjective)

  • Expectation for : anticipated result in store with the future (objective)

The first set of examples with use of preposition 'of' means a) if I can give the best of my ability, b) fulfil what my Alma mater expects of me, and c) what future has in store for me.

With the use of preposition 'for' the focus of attention shift from the perspective of the do-er to the perspective of end results. The observations become objective and anticipation of the unforeseen usurps the centre stage. Here Expectations are the yardsticks already set apart to which to which my personal judgement would be applied.

All sentences are grammatically correct with slight differences in meaning.

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