Hopefully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Hopefully" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a desire or expectation for a positive outcome regarding a situation. Example: "Hopefully, we will receive the results by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I will continue that, and cast the net wider; hopefully I will bring a fresh energy and build on what Nick has done".

The Guardian

The elder Perosi said he will keep working, but "a lot less, and do some investing for the future of my nieces and nephews and my grandchildren, hopefully".

The Guardian

For us, this has always been – and hopefully will always be – about the music, and that is what we will be getting back to now.

The Guardian - Music

Also there are other treatments with regards to fertility, so hopefully it won't be a massive problem".

The Guardian

"Talk is cheap, but hopefully things can start to move on and include inclusion".

The Guardian - Sport

Hopefully we can get plenty of people watching.

The Guardian - Sport

We're just looking forward to the next bit, we're concentrating on South Africa but then hopefully on to bigger things.

The Guardian - Sport

Hopefully, your experience with MySpace has taught you a lesson.

The Guardian - Opinion

And then possibly long after that, too, although hopefully most of us will have succumbed to the warm tendrils of death by then.

The Guardian

But the opening of a school in rural Laikipia in the central highlands will hopefully break that vicious cycle for 300 children, their teachers and the wider community.

The Guardian

It should hopefully become very popular and change the nation of kids that we are developing - enjoying being inside on their computers rather than outside, enjoying the wider world.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Hopefully" to express a positive expectation, but be mindful of its potential ambiguity; clarify the subject if needed. For example, "Hopefully, the project will be completed on time" is clear. To avoid ambiguity, consider alternatives like "I hope that the project will be completed on time."

Common error

Avoid using "Hopefully" in ways that could create ambiguity about who is doing the hoping. For instance, instead of "Hopefully, the report is accurate", consider rewriting as "I hope the report is accurate" or "It is hoped that the report is accurate" to clarify the source of the hope.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Hopefully" is to serve as a sentence adverb, modifying the entire clause or sentence it introduces. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses the speaker's or writer's hope or expectation regarding the statement that follows. This is supported by examples from Ludwig, where "Hopefully" sets a tone of optimism.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Sport

20%

Opinion

14%

Less common in

Lifestyle

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Hopefully" is a common and generally accepted sentence adverb used to express a wish or expectation for a positive outcome. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, though some may prefer more formal alternatives like "it is hoped that" in specific settings. While its versatility makes it useful in diverse forms of writing, it's crucial to avoid ambiguity by ensuring the subject of the hope is clear. Its frequent appearance in news and media outlets confirms its widespread usage and recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It is hoped that

More formal and emphasizes the act of hoping.

Let's hope

More informal, expressing a collective wish.

I hope that

Directly expresses the speaker's desire.

It is to be hoped that

Highly formal and somewhat archaic.

With the expectation that

Emphasizes anticipation and expectation.

If all goes well

Focuses on the condition of a favorable outcome.

Assuming all goes well

Similar to "If all goes well", but with a tone of planning and preparation.

God willing

Expresses a wish dependent on divine will.

Fingers crossed

Informal and idiomatic, conveying hope for good luck.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed

Personal expression of hope and good luck.

FAQs

How can I use "Hopefully" in a sentence?

"Hopefully" is generally used at the beginning of a sentence to express a wish or expectation that something will happen favorably. For instance, "Hopefully, the weather will be sunny tomorrow" or "Hopefully, they will arrive on time".

What can I say instead of "Hopefully" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "it is hoped that", "it is to be hoped that", or "with the expectation that" to convey a similar meaning with greater formality.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "Hopefully"?

Yes, it is generally considered grammatically correct to start a sentence with "Hopefully", although it has been a subject of debate among grammar purists. Most modern style guides accept its use as a sentence adverb expressing a speaker's hope.

What is the difference between "Hopefully" and "I hope"?

"Hopefully" functions as an adverb modifying the entire sentence, expressing a general hope that something will occur. "I hope", on the other hand, is a direct expression of the speaker's personal desire. While both convey a sense of wishing for a positive outcome, "Hopefully" can sometimes be perceived as less personal or direct than "I hope".