Well expect is the new default for RSpec 3.0+ (and maybe even 2.14). So it is generally encouraged, the old syntax will still be maintained but expect is generally the way to go (among other things with expect you don't need to have monkey patching). Also it helps in some edge cases, see this: http://myronmars.to/n/dev-blog/2012/06/rspecs-new-expectation-syntax