a spark of hope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a spark of hope" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to convey a small amount of optimism or possibility in a difficult situation. Example: "Even in the darkest times, she held onto a spark of hope that things would get better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

A spark of hope for conflict-free mining in DRC came in 2012 when the Solutions for Hope project started producing verified conflict-free tantalum from a cooperative in Northern Katanga province.

The Guardian

From it, remember, emerged a spark of hope.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Looking at my kids, I felt a spark of hope.

The New York Times - Travel

Lately, though, a spark of hope has flared up at Tamarack.

The New York Times

For Mark Enoch, this week will reignite a spark of hope.

The Guardian - Opinion

She is a spark of hope, doing what must be done.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

The possibility of higher-margin sales has provided a spark of competitive hope for companies chasing Travelocity and Expedia, the two dominant online travel sites.

The New York Times

There's a spark of California hope and California courage born in all of us.

Los Angeles Times

Friendless at school, the Kid has a brief spark of hope when a new student transfers in.

The New York Times

Stolyarov is hoping to kindle a small spark of hope into an eternal flame.

BBC

A single letter would have been enough to kindle a tiny spark of hope in my heart, but I received hundreds.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a spark of hope" with action verbs (e.g., ignite, kindle, offer) to emphasize the potential for growth and development from this initial optimism.

Common error

Avoid using "a spark of hope" when the situation warrants a stronger expression of optimism. Overusing it might diminish the actual sense of desperation if the situation really needs something more concrete and intense than just "a spark".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a spark of hope" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an initial or small element of optimism. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a spark of hope" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that conveys a small but significant amount of optimism in a difficult or uncertain situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct. The primary contexts of use are News & Media and Academia, indicating its suitability for both formal and informal writing. Related phrases include "a glimmer of hope" and "a ray of hope". When using this phrase, avoid overstating the intensity of hope if the situation warrants a stronger expression. In summary, "a spark of hope" is a versatile and effective phrase for introducing a positive element into a negative context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a glimmer of hope

Replaces "spark" with "glimmer", suggesting a fainter, less intense sign of hope.

a ray of hope

Substitutes "spark" with "ray", indicating a more directional and focused source of hope.

a sign of hope

Replaces "spark" with "sign", emphasizing the indicative nature of the hope.

a flicker of hope

Uses "flicker" instead of "spark", conveying a brief and unsteady display of hope.

a small measure of hope

Replaces "spark" with "small measure", quantifying the amount of hope present.

a hint of optimism

Shifts from "hope" to "optimism", suggesting a more general positive outlook.

a light at the end of the tunnel

Idiomatic expression indicating eventual relief or resolution to a difficult situation.

a reason to be optimistic

Focuses on the justification for hope, rather than the feeling itself.

a positive outlook

Suggests a general attitude of expecting good things, rather than a specific hope for something.

grounds for hope

Highlights the foundations or reasons that support the feeling of hope.

FAQs

How can I use "a spark of hope" in a sentence?

You can use "a spark of hope" to describe a small but significant source of optimism in a challenging situation. For example, "Despite the company's financial struggles, the new product launch offered "a spark of hope" for a turnaround".

What are some alternatives to "a spark of hope"?

Alternatives include "a glimmer of hope", "a ray of hope", or "a flicker of hope", depending on the intensity and context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a spark of hope" in formal writing?

Yes, "a spark of hope" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its neutral tone and widespread use make it appropriate for various contexts.

What is the difference between "a spark of hope" and "blind hope"?

"A spark of hope" suggests a rational basis for optimism, however small, while "blind hope" implies hope without any logical justification or supporting evidence.