a faint expectation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a faint expectation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a slight or uncertain hope or belief about something that may happen in the future. Example: "As the deadline approached, she held a faint expectation that her proposal would be accepted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not, one can guess, that the defence lawyers had the faintest expectation that this would happen.

The Economist

Silence descends over the vast space, apart from Fran's numerical monologue, a faint but rising buzz of expectation, a shout from someone and a groan of disappointment from everyone else, then it's time to go again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In that first moment of musicless expectation they heard a faint whine, at once mournful and irritating, a distant rush of air, then a low deep boom, and then the walls rattled and the ice in the general's drink shook like dice in a glass fist.

The New York Times - Magazine

I heard a faint voice.

The New York Times - Travel

It rang a faint bell.

The New Yorker

A faint chorus of "M.V.P".

The New York Times - Sports

Stephanie gave a faint nod.

The New York Times

Then came a faint cry.

The Washington Post

A faint imager will discover large numbers of faint main sequence stars and brown dwarfs.

New Astronomy Reviews

"Boys," he said, with a faint nod.

The New Yorker

We heard rainfall, and a faint piano.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a faint expectation" to express a hope or anticipation that is not strong or certain. This phrase is useful when you want to acknowledge the possibility of something happening without conveying a high level of confidence.

Common error

Avoid using "a faint expectation" when you actually have a strong belief or certainty about an outcome. The phrase is intended for situations where the hope is minimal or uncertain. If there is a reasonable level of certitude, use alternatives that convey more confidence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a faint expectation" is that of a noun phrase, where the adjective "faint" modifies the noun "expectation". This phrase typically acts as the subject or object of a verb, describing the degree of anticipation or hope associated with something. Ludwig provides examples showing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a faint expectation" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that conveys a slight or uncertain hope. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, and while its usage is relatively rare, it appears in diverse contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. When writing, it's important to ensure that its level of uncertainty aligns with your intended meaning, avoiding its use when stronger certainty is implied. Consider alternatives like "a slim hope" or "a slight anticipation" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slim hope

Indicates a reduced probability or likelihood compared to "a faint expectation".

a slight anticipation

Focuses on the act of anticipating with a minimal degree of certainty.

a mild anticipation

Highlights a gentle feeling of looking forward to something.

a distant hope

Emphasizes the remoteness or unlikelihood of the expectation being realized.

a vague anticipation

Implies the expectation is not clearly defined or certain.

a small chance

Shifts the focus to the probability of something occurring.

a remote possibility

Stresses the unlikeliness of the event happening.

a glimmer of hope

Uses figurative language to suggest a small amount of optimism.

a trace of anticipation

Emphasizes the minimal level of anticipation present.

a fragile hope

Highlights the delicate and easily broken nature of the hope.

FAQs

How can I use "a faint expectation" in a sentence?

You can use "a faint expectation" to express a slight or uncertain hope about something. For example, "Despite the challenges, she still held "a faint expectation" that things would improve".

What can I say instead of "a faint expectation"?

You can use alternatives like "a slim hope", "a slight anticipation", or "a glimmer of hope" depending on the context.

Is "a faint expectation" formal or informal?

"A faint expectation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's a fairly neutral phrase that can be used in writing or speech without sounding out of place.

What's the difference between "a faint expectation" and "a strong expectation"?

"A faint expectation" suggests a weak or uncertain hope, while "a strong expectation" implies a high degree of confidence that something will happen. The key difference lies in the level of certainty or confidence conveyed.