Expecting a baby

[Guest]

Test No. errors/inter-14 "Great expections when you are so carried away", question 2

I was telephoned late last night just before I went to bed and told Mary is awaiting a baby.

(a) was
(b) went
(c) awaiting

Test No. errors/inter-14 "Great expections when you are so carried away", answer 2

I was telephoned late last night just before I went to bed and told Mary is expecting a baby.

Correct entry: expecting
The error was: (c) awaiting

You have found the error but your entry is incorrect.
I was telephoned late last night just before I went to bed and told Mary is awaiting a baby.
_________________________

"expecting" just make a better sense, doesn't it? Why do we have to change it? Thank you a lot!

[Mister Micawber]

The idiom is expecting a baby-- meaning that she is pregnant. Late night telephone calls are not made in order to inform others that one is merely waiting for another person to bring a baby to one's house ('awaiting a baby').
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Hieupt]

Can "giving a baby" be an option in this case? Thanks.
_________________
Thank you very much,
Hieu Phan.

P/s: Please just correct if I'm wrong somewhere!

[Mister Micawber]

No. What do you think 'giving a baby' could mean, Hieu Phan?
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Hieupt]

[Mister Micawber]

Yes, 'giving birth to' is OK, but just 'giving' is not enough.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's