a firm expectation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a firm expectation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong belief or anticipation about a future event or outcome. Example: "There is a firm expectation that the project will be completed by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Sport

Arts

Tech

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Creating a rule that only allows unhealthy foods on occasional weekends, or perhaps during movies sets a firm expectation that junk foods are limited to specific circumstances that you have approved.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Zwirner, the dealer, said that he hopes to represent Mr. Wheeler permanently, but that he will not allow himself any firm expectation of doing so until the show is over and Mr. Wheeler is happy.

The New York Times - Arts

We didn't have any firm expectations, we just simply hoped that it would work – and so far, so good".

The Guardian - Tech

Students cannot rest on their laurels in the firm expectation of a sheaf of A-grades but take even more care to get them.

The Economist

They had already fired the sporting director, Fredi Bobic, earlier in the campaign and now have to recruit somebody who would be willing to take over at a pretty big club with no real team and no firm expectation to avoid the drop.

The Guardian - Sport

This firm expectation may yet be confounded by the traditional enemy, the weather.

Independent

The crowd might have lost interest in this underrated stock, so dully and unerringly recommended by theologians and priests down the centuries, but Sir John bought it up on the firm expectation of stellar future earnings.

The Economist

When the burghers of the ultra-respectable London suburb of Bromley offered H G Wells – its most illustrious 19th-century scion after Charles Darwin – the freedom of the town, the firm expectation was that he would graciously accept.

Independent

Some of that criticism will be intemperate but the firm expectation is Cook will be at Lord's in July for the first Test against South Africa as an experienced opening batsman who will be glancing over at his captain at the toss to see whether he should put on his pads.

The Guardian - Sport

Good parents set firm expectations and limits for their children, and they don't whine about how difficult or upsetting it is.

The New York Times

With almost 28 years of teaching experience, she knew to establish firm expectations about behavior and classroom procedures from the start, and her students have become more self-sufficient.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a firm expectation" when you want to emphasize the strength and certainty of an anticipated outcome. Choose this phrase to convey confidence in the realization of a particular event or result.

Common error

Avoid using "firm" when a simpler adjective like "strong" or "clear" would suffice. Overusing "firm" can make your writing sound overly formal or stilted in contexts that don't require such emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a firm expectation" functions as a noun phrase, where "firm" modifies the noun "expectation". As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase indicates a strong and unwavering belief or anticipation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Sport

10%

Arts

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a firm expectation" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a strong and unwavering belief about a future event. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While not as common as alternatives like "a strong expectation", it is suitable for formal and professional contexts. The phrase appears in a variety of sources, including news media and business publications, reflecting its versatility. Use it when you want to convey certainty and confidence in a particular outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong anticipation

Replaces "firm" with "strong", emphasizing the intensity of the expectation.

a definite expectation

Substitutes "firm" with "definite", highlighting the certainty of the expectation.

a solid expectation

Replaces "firm" with "solid", suggesting a well-founded basis for the expectation.

a confident expectation

Uses "confident" instead of "firm", focusing on the feeling of assurance associated with the expectation.

a reasonable expectation

Replaces "firm" with "reasonable", implying that the expectation is justified and logical.

a clear expectation

Emphasizes the clarity and unambiguous nature of the expectation.

a set expectation

Focuses on the established or predetermined nature of the expectation.

an unwavering expectation

Emphasizes the steadfast and resolute nature of the expectation.

a secure expectation

Implies that the expectation is protected and unlikely to be disappointed.

a legitimate expectation

Indicates that the expectation is rightful and justifiable, often in a legal or ethical context.

FAQs

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

You can use "a firm expectation" to express a strong belief that something will happen. For instance, "There is "a firm expectation" that the project will be completed on time".

What's a more common alternative to "a firm expectation"?

While "a firm expectation" is correct, alternatives like "a strong expectation" or "a definite expectation" may be more frequently used.

Is there a subtle difference between "a firm expectation" and "a strong expectation"?

"A firm expectation" emphasizes the unwavering nature of the belief, whereas "a strong expectation" highlights the intensity of the anticipation.

In what contexts is "a firm expectation" most appropriate?

"A firm expectation" is suitable in formal or professional contexts where conveying a sense of certainty and reliability is important. It may also appear in news reports or analytical writing.