wait (for) 與 expect的用法區(qū)別

兩者均含有“等”之意，但是有區(qū)別：wait for (等候)通常指在一個(gè)地方呆著，不采取任何行動(dòng)，一直等到某事發(fā)生，它主要強(qiáng)調(diào)時(shí)間的流逝且含有耽誤之意，有時(shí)暗示某人來(lái)得太晚或某事發(fā)生得太遲等；而 expect(期待，預(yù)料)則指某事(可指好或不好的事)很可能會(huì)發(fā)生或到來(lái)，不強(qiáng)調(diào)時(shí)間的遲早，只說(shuō)明一種心情。比較：

他在校門(mén)口等他母親。

誤：He was expecting his mother at the school gate.

正：He was waiting for his mother at the school gate.

我們?cè)诘葐讨蔚膩?lái)信。

誤：We are waiting for a letter from George.

正：We are expecting [looking forward to] a letter from Goerge.

那么我 10 點(diǎn)整等你。

誤：Then I’ll wait for you at exactly ten o’clock.

正：Then I’ll expect you at exactly ten o’clock.