"Expected date"

[daruma808]

I was speaking to a friend and we were talking about her baby's "expected date" of birth. She asked me why is expectED past tense if we are talking about the future and I couldn't come up with a good reason... any ideas for a simple explanation?

[riquecohen]

I was speaking to a friend and we were talking about her baby's "expected date" of birth. She asked me why is expectED past tense if we are talking about the future and I couldn't come up with a good reason... any ideas for a simple explanation?

It is a past participle, functioning as an adjective. Many past participles have the same form as the past tense. Participles can be used to talk about the past, present or future.

Welcome to the forum, daruma808.

[Ouisch]

Even thoug "expected date" is gramatically correct, typically in AmE when discussing the impending birth with an expectant mother we refer to it as her "due date."

Examples:

Pregnant co-worker: "My ankles are so swollen, and my back is killing me....I can't wait to have this baby!"
You: "How much longer will it be? When is your due date?"


Pregnant friend: "The doctor said I was due around December 15. I hope he's right because I don't want to be in the hospital on Christmas Day."

[daruma808]

Thank you very much! That was very quick and very helpful! I will be able to explain it the next time I see her!