But hopefully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "But hopefully" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a desire or expectation for a positive outcome in a situation that may be uncertain. Example: "The project has faced many challenges, but hopefully, we will meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"But hopefully, disaster avoided".

The New York Times

But hopefully the former.

The Guardian - Tech

"But hopefully it never stops.

The New York Times - Sports

But hopefully less.

The New Yorker

But, hopefully, he will stay".

The New York Times - Sports

But hopefully that won't happen".

The New York Times

But hopefully in my lifetime.

The Guardian - Sport

But hopefully something will be born again".

The New York Times

"But hopefully people will start thinking".

The New York Times

But hopefully, we can get out".

The New York Times

But hopefully the answer is nothing.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, consider placing "But hopefully" at the beginning of a sentence to immediately signal your optimistic outlook. For example: "But hopefully, this new strategy will yield better results."

Common error

Avoid using "But hopefully" as a standalone phrase without a clear connection to the preceding statement. Ensure the hopeful sentiment logically follows the previous context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "But hopefully" functions as a conjunction phrase, linking a preceding statement with an expression of hope or expectation. It introduces a desired outcome while acknowledging the uncertainty or challenges involved. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is often used to express optimism despite potential difficulties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"But hopefully" is a versatile conjunction phrase used to express optimism and a desired outcome following a preceding statement. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to ensure the hopeful sentiment logically connects to the prior context to avoid ambiguity. For more formal situations, alternatives such as "However, it is anticipated that" may be preferred. Overall, "But hopefully" remains a useful tool for conveying a positive outlook while acknowledging uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In any event, with hope

Indicates the speaker has hopes for a positive result despite any obstacles.

Yet with optimism

Replaces "but hopefully" with a more concise expression of hope, emphasizing the optimistic outlook.

Still, with optimism

Similar to "Yet with optimism", this phrase offers a succinct alternative, emphasizing continued hope.

All the same, here's hoping

The phrase acknowledges prior statements and then expresses the hopes for a positive outcome.

However, with anticipation

Substitutes "but hopefully" with a phrase focusing on eager expectation, highlighting the positive anticipation.

Even so, with anticipation

Mirrors the meaning of "However, with anticipation" but with a slightly different introductory phrase, stressing eager anticipation.

Nevertheless, with expectation

Replaces "but hopefully" with a more formal expression of expectation, indicating a confident anticipation.

Having said that, I remain optimistic

Similar to the previous phrase, but it's more direct and focuses on optimism and a positive mindset.

That being said, I trust

Expresses a sense of reliance and confidence. The user "trusts" that the outcome will be positive.

Nonetheless, I have confidence

Highlights a feeling of trust in the outcome, as opposed to wishful anticipation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "But hopefully" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "However, it is anticipated that", "Nevertheless, one can expect that", or "Nonetheless, it is our hope that". These options convey a similar meaning with increased formality.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "But hopefully"?

While grammatically sound, starting a sentence with "But hopefully" can sometimes sound informal. To enhance formality, consider alternatives like "However, it is hoped that" or "Nevertheless, we anticipate that".

What are some synonyms for "But hopefully" that maintain a similar level of informality?

Alternatives such as "Still, with optimism", "All the same, "here's hoping"", or "In any event, with hope" offer comparable informality while varying the phrasing slightly.

How does "But hopefully" differ from phrases like "But certainly" or "But definitely"?

"But hopefully" expresses a wish or expectation for a positive outcome that is not guaranteed. In contrast, "But certainly" or "But definitely" convey a sense of assurance or certainty, indicating a higher degree of confidence in the outcome.