Temper expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Temper expectations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to lower their hopes or assumptions about a situation to avoid disappointment. Example: "Before the event, it's important to temper expectations regarding attendance, as we may not reach our target numbers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Before the game, General Manager Brian Cashman tried to temper expectations and reiterated that he doesn't expect Pineda to immediately slot in as the Yankees' No. 2 starter behind C.C. Sabathia.

The New York Times

"They are going to try to temper expectations," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Girardi tried to temper expectations about Jeter's return.

The New York Times - Sports

But regular smokers may want to temper expectations.

The Guardian

And, upon election, he made no attempt to temper expectations about growth, spending and jobs.

The Economist

"I do want to temper expectations," said Mr. Webster, the spokesman.

The New York Times - Science

It can also temper expectations for this winter's top player acquisitions.

The New York Times

For their part the members of Grizzly Bear are doing their best to temper expectations.

The New York Times - Arts

Shrewdly, Clough – who succeeded Hasselbaink in December – is prepared to temper expectations by diverting towards Lancashire.

The Guardian - Sport

No amount of downplaying and soft-pedaling will temper expectations, and Favre should stop trying.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And that's where Big Sam comes in: to readjust the waterline, temper expectation, delivery a cold salty dose of perspective.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When communicating potentially negative news or uncertain outcomes, use "temper expectations" to prepare your audience for a range of possibilities, avoiding overly optimistic projections.

Common error

Avoid setting excessively high expectations initially, as it can lead to disappointment even if the outcome is positive. Consistently manage expectations to ensure satisfaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "temper expectations" functions as a verb phrase, often used transitively. It means to moderate or restrain the degree to which something is hoped or anticipated, as evidenced by examples provided by Ludwig. It advises a realistic outlook.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "temper expectations" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that serves to moderate or lower anticipated outcomes, primarily to avoid disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase sees frequent use in news and media, formal business communications, and scientific contexts. While it is considered neutral in tone, it's important to use the phrase judiciously to prevent over-promising and under-delivering, and to maintain realistic communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manage expectations

Focuses on controlling and guiding expectations, implying a more active approach.

lower expectations

Directly indicates a reduction in anticipated outcomes or hopes.

moderate expectations

Suggests bringing expectations to a more reasonable or balanced level.

adjust expectations

Indicates making changes to align expectations with reality or possibilities.

recalibrate expectations

Focuses on resetting expectations to be more realistic based on new information.

curb enthusiasm

Emphasizes restraining excitement or excessive optimism.

downplay hopes

Highlights minimizing the expression or acknowledgment of positive anticipation.

soften the blow

Implies preparing someone for a potential disappointment by reducing expectations.

set realistic goals

Shifts the focus to establishing achievable targets, thus influencing expectations.

take with a grain of salt

Advises skepticism towards claims or promises to prevent inflated expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "temper expectations" in a sentence?

You can use "temper expectations" to advise someone to lower their hopes or assumptions about a situation. For instance, "It's important to temper expectations regarding the project's completion date."

What are some alternative phrases for "temper expectations"?

Alternatives include "manage expectations", "lower expectations", or "moderate expectations", depending on the context.

Is it better to "temper expectations" or "raise expectations"?

Whether to "temper expectations" or raise them depends on the situation. "Temper expectations" is suitable when realism is needed, while raising them might be appropriate for motivation, though carefully managed.

What's the difference between "temper expectations" and "manage expectations"?

"Temper expectations" implies reducing or moderating hopes to avoid disappointment, whereas "manage expectations" suggests a more active approach to guiding and controlling what people anticipate.