adjust your expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adjust your expectations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to modify their hopes or beliefs about a situation to align with reality. Example: "Given the current market conditions, it's important to adjust your expectations regarding sales growth this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Next, adjust your expectations.

The New York Times - Food

You adjust your expectations to the conditions.

The New York Times - Travel

You have to adjust your expectations of comedy.

The Guardian

"You're going to have to adjust your expectations".

The New York Times

If you know of Hannah Gadsby as a stand-up comedian then adjust your expectations here.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

You adjust your expectations, otherwise you'll drive yourself crazy every time you have to punt".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

So you keep adjusting your expectations, you know?" Over the past year, the price of a single family house in Vancouver increased by an incredible 30%, to an average of $1.4m.

The Guardian

Salary: Adjusting your expectations.

Science Magazine

So while he needs to adjust his behavior, it might be worth adjusting your expectations.

Huffington Post

Perhaps the first step is re-evaluating your view of relationships and adjusting your expectations.

Huffington Post

Adjusting your expectations to be in line with these has the potential to impact your sex life and your overall relationship for the better.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adjust your expectations", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspect needs modification. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "adjust your expectations" as a blanket statement without acknowledging the effort required for the adjustment. Instead, provide actionable steps or a rationale for the change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adjust your expectations" functions as an imperative, giving a direct instruction or advice to modify one's anticipations. It's commonly used to manage expectations in various situations, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

26%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adjust your expectations" is a commonly used imperative phrase that advises modifying one's anticipations to align with reality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is employed across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and general advice, with a neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences. To use it effectively, provide specific reasons for the needed adjustment. Alternatives include "revise your predictions" and "temper your hopes", allowing for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Scale back your expectations

Suggests reducing the scope or intensity of what you anticipate.

Moderate your anticipations

Suggests a tempering of enthusiasm or hope, aiming for a balanced outlook.

Temper your hopes

Implies a need to control excitement or optimism to avoid disappointment.

Revise your predictions

This emphasizes a change in forecasting future outcomes, focusing on accuracy.

Adapt your outlook

Emphasizes the flexibility needed to change your viewpoint based on new information.

Re-evaluate your assumptions

Focuses on questioning the underlying beliefs that form your expectations.

Reframe your perspective

Suggests changing the way you view a situation, which can alter expectations.

Lower your sights

Indicates a need to reduce ambition or goals, often in the face of difficulty.

Reset your mindset

Focuses on altering your mental attitude or approach to align with reality.

Manage your desires

Focuses on controlling or limiting your wants and wishes regarding a specific outcome.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "adjust your expectations"?

Use "adjust your expectations" when you need someone to modify their hopes or beliefs about a situation to align better with reality or likely outcomes. It's helpful in managing potential disappointment.

What are some alternatives to "adjust your expectations"?

You can use alternatives like "revise your predictions", "moderate your anticipations", or "temper your hopes" depending on the context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "adjust your expectations" formal or informal?

"Adjust your expectations" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's generally more suited to situations where direct communication is appropriate. More formal settings might benefit from alternatives that sound less like a direct command.

How can I use "adjust your expectations" effectively?

To use "adjust your expectations" effectively, provide context for why the adjustment is necessary. For example, "Given the market downturn, you need to "scale back your expectations" for immediate profits."