I think hopefully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I think hopefully" is not considered standard in written English and may sound awkward to some readers.
It can be used when expressing a personal belief or desire for a positive outcome, but it is better to separate the two ideas for clarity. Example: "I think hopefully we will finish the project on time, but I am not certain."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Might be stuffed peppers, I think hopefully.

The New York Times - Travel

"After that then I think, hopefully, we'll celebrate".

The Guardian - Sport

Which I think, hopefully, will get them lots of girls when they're 15".

The Guardian - Film

"I think, hopefully, they grew up a little bit," Edwards said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think she would have loved the day and I think, hopefully, she'd be very proud of us both for the day.

The Guardian

"The one thing that I think, hopefully, the new year will focus on," he said, "is seeing if we can put a package like this together with a little bit less drama, a little less brinkmanship, and not scare the heck out of folks quite as much".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"Later in the week," I thought hopefully, and mistakenly.

The New York Times - Travel

I thought hopefully I would represent my country, because for me that was the biggest achievement.

Independent

He was more famous than I, and I thought hopefully that our names had become linked.

The New Yorker

"I would think hopefully we can get over the line and he can make some kind of appearance before the end of the season.

BBC

I just thought, 'Hopefully when we land......

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clearer and more grammatically sound writing, consider separating the expression of belief from the expression of hope. For example, write "I think we're on the right track, and I hope it works out" instead of using the combined phrase "I think hopefully".

Common error

Avoid combining "I think" with "hopefully" directly, as it can sound unnatural and less professional. To make your writing clearer, try using "I hope" or rewording the sentence to separate your belief from your hope.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I think hopefully" functions as an expression of both belief and desire. It attempts to combine a cognitive assessment ("I think") with an aspirational sentiment ("hopefully"). As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is not standard in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "I think hopefully" conveys a blend of belief and aspiration, Ludwig AI indicates it's not considered standard English and may sound awkward. As such, it's often better to opt for clearer alternatives such as "I hope" or to express your thought and hope separately. Usage is most common in news and media, suggesting a neutral register. While understandable, prioritizing clarity and grammatical correctness will enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I hope

Omission of "think" makes it a more direct expression of hope.

I believe hopefully

Replacing "think" with "believe" offers a stronger sense of conviction alongside the hope.

I am hopeful that

Rephrasing into "I am hopeful that" makes it grammatically standard and slightly more formal.

Hopefully, I think

Changing the order emphasizes the hope, but the 'I think' feels a bit disconnected.

I anticipate with hope

Uses a more formal verb and highlights the anticipation of a desired outcome.

I expect and hope

Combines expectation with hope for a more nuanced expression.

It is my hope that

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing the same sentiment.

I optimistically assume

Conveys a positive assumption but might sound a bit presumptuous.

I trust and expect

Combines trust with expectation, implying a strong basis for the hope.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that

An idiomatic expression that adds an element of informality and wishful thinking.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "I think hopefully"?

While understandable, "I think hopefully" is not considered standard English. It's generally better to rephrase as "I hope" or separate the statements for clarity.

What are some alternatives to "I think hopefully"?

Consider using "I hope", "I am hopeful that", or separating the ideas into two distinct clauses.

How can I use "hopefully" correctly in a sentence?

"Hopefully" is best used as an adverb modifying the entire sentence. For example, "Hopefully, we will finish the project on time" is grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "I hope" and "I think hopefully"?

"I hope" is a direct expression of desire for a positive outcome. "I think hopefully" attempts to combine belief and hope but is often seen as awkward. It's more direct to simply express hope or to state your belief and then your hope separately.