Expected vs. Due — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 16, 2024
"Expected" refers to anticipated outcomes or timings, often based on predictions or norms, while "due" denotes something scheduled, owed, or required by a specific deadline.
Difference Between Expected and Due
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Key Differences
"Expected" often involves anticipation based on patterns, probabilities, or previous experiences, such as expected weather conditions or expected arrival times. On the other hand, "due" implies a set deadline or an obligation, like a due date for a project or payment.
When talking about events or tasks, "expected" suggests a degree of uncertainty or estimation, for example, the expected completion of a project might shift. Whereas "due" indicates a fixed point in time by which something must be completed or submitted.
In the context of responsibilities, "expected" can mean what is generally considered likely or standard, such as expected behavior in social settings. On the other hand, "due" is used for obligations that are more definitive and often legally binding, like due payments or due diligence.
Regarding financial terms, "expected" returns on investments denote a probable outcome based on past performance or market trends. Conversely, "due" amounts refer to sums of money that are legally required to be paid by a certain date.
In communication, "expected" might be used to describe anticipated responses or actions, such as a manager's expected decision. Whereas "due" is commonly found in contexts requiring formal acknowledgment, such as due recognition for achievements.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Anticipated based on trends or past experiences
Scheduled or required by a certain deadline
Uncertainty
Generally implies a possibility or likelihood
Indicates certainty and obligation
Context
Often used in informal predictions
Common in formal and legal obligations
Example Usage
Expected weather, expected outcomes
Due date, due payment
Associated Phrases
Expected to change, expected soon
Due by, due for review
Compare with Definitions
Expected
Predicted based on data.
The expected rainfall is above average this season.
Due
Required or owed.
The due amount on the invoice is payable immediately.
Expected
Anticipated as likely to happen.
The expected guest did not arrive.
Due
Stemming from a cause or reason.
With due respect, I must disagree.
Expected
Commonly accepted.
It was expected that she would decline the offer.
Due
Having reached a scheduled time.
The library book is due tomorrow.
Expected
Considered probable or likely.
He's the expected winner of the contest.
Due
Scheduled to happen or be completed.
The project is due at the end of the week.
Expected
Standard or usual.
It's expected that everyone dresses formally at the gala.
Due
Adequate or appropriate.
Give credit where credit is due.
Expected
To look forward to the probable occurrence or appearance of
Expecting a phone call.
Expects rain on Sunday.
Due
Payable immediately or on demand.
Expected
To consider likely or certain
Expect to see them soon. See Usage Note at anticipate.
Due
Owed as a debt; owing
The amount still due.
Expected
To consider reasonable or due
We expect an apology.
Due
In accord with right, convention, or courtesy; appropriate
Due esteem.
All due respect.
Expected
To consider obligatory; require
The school expects its pupils to be on time.
Due
Meeting special requirements; sufficient
We have due cause to honor them.
Expected
(Informal) To presume; suppose.
Due
Expected or scheduled, especially appointed to arrive
Their plane is due in 15 minutes.
Expected
To be pregnant. Used in progressive tenses
My wife is expecting again.
Due
Expected to give birth.
Expected
Anticipated; thought to be about to arrive or occur
The expected storm never arrived.
Due
Anticipated; looked for
A long due promotion.
Expected
Simple past tense and past participle of expect
Due
Expecting or ready for something as part of a normal course or sequence
We're due for some rain. This batter is due for another hit.
Expected
Considered likely or probable to happen or arrive;
Prepared for the expected attack
Due
Entitled to
I always give people the respect that they are due.
Expected
Looked forward to as probable
Due
Capable of being attributed. See Usage Note at due to.
Expected
Expected to become or be; in prospect;
Potential clients
Expected income
Due
Something owed or deserved
You finally received your due.
Due
Dues A charge or fee for membership, as in a club or organization.
Due
Straight; directly
Go due west.
Due
(Archaic) Duly.
Due
Owed or owing.
He is due four weeks of back pay.
The amount due is just three quid.
The due bills total nearly seven thousand dollars.
He can wait for the amount due him.
Due
Appropriate.
With all due respect, you're wrong about that.
Due
Scheduled; expected.
Rain is due this afternoon.
The train is due in five minutes.
When is your baby due?
Due
Having reached the expected, scheduled, or natural time.
The baby is just about due.
Due
Owing; ascribable, as to a cause.
The dangerously low water table is due to rapidly growing pumping.
Due
On a direct bearing, especially for the four points of the compass
The town is 5 miles due North of the bridge.
Due
(used with compass directions) Directly; exactly.
The river runs due north for about a mile.
Due
Deserved acknowledgment.
Give him his due — he is a good actor.
Due
(in plural dues) A membership fee.
Due
That which is owed; debt; that which belongs or may be claimed as a right; whatever custom, law, or morality requires to be done, duty.
Due
Right; just title or claim.
Due
Owed, as a debt; that ought to be paid or done to or for another; payable; owing and demandable.
Due
Justly claimed as a right or property; proper; suitable; becoming; appropriate; fit.
Her obedience, which is due to me.
With dirges due, in sad array,Slow through the churchway path we saw him borne.
Due
Such as (a thing) ought to be; fulfilling obligation; proper; lawful; regular; appointed; sufficient; exact; as, due process of law; due service; in due time.
Due
Appointed or required to arrive at a given time; as, the steamer was due yesterday.
Due
Owing; ascribable, as to a cause.
This effect is due to the attraction of the sun.
Due
Directly; exactly; as, a due east course.
Due
That which is owed; debt; that which one contracts to pay, or do, to or for another; that which belongs or may be claimed as a right; whatever custom, law, or morality requires to be done; a fee; a toll.
He will give the devil his due.
Yearly little dues of wheat, and wine, and oil.
Due
Right; just title or claim.
The key of this infernal pit by due . . . I keep.
Due
To endue.
Due
That which is deserved or owed;
Give the devil his due
Due
A payment that is due (e.g., as the price of membership);
The society dropped him for non-payment of dues
Due
Owed and payable immediately or on demand;
Payment is due
Due
Proper and appropriate; fitting;
Richly deserved punishment
Due esteem
Due
Scheduled to arrive;
The train is due in 15 minutes
Due
Suitable to or expected in the circumstances;
All due respect
Due cause to honor them
A long due promotion
In due course
Due
Reasonable in the circumstances;
Gave my comments due consideration
Exercising due care
Due
Directly or exactly; straight;
Went due North
Common Curiosities
What is the difference between expected date and due date?
Expected date is an estimate, while due date is a firm deadline.
How is "due" used in legal documents?
It denotes obligations that must be fulfilled by a specified time.
Can "expected" and "due" be used interchangeably?
No, because "expected" implies a prediction, whereas "due" refers to obligations.
What does "expected" imply in business contexts?
It refers to probable outcomes based on analysis or trends.
What does "due to" mean in explanations?
It signifies causation or reason.
Is "expected" more uncertain than "due"?
Yes, "expected" carries a sense of likelihood rather than certainty.
Can the expected time of an event be adjusted?
Yes, it often changes based on new information or conditions.
What happens if expected outcomes do not materialize?
Adjustments or recalibrations may be necessary.
How do responsibilities differ in terms of expected vs. due?
Expected responsibilities are assumed, while due responsibilities are mandated.
How strict is the interpretation of "due" in professional settings?
Very strict, as it often involves compliance with specific requirements.
How does "due" affect financial transactions?
It indicates when payments must be legally settled.
What are common contexts for using "expected"?
Forecasts, anticipations in social or casual settings.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
