air of expectation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "air of expectation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling or atmosphere of anticipation or eagerness in a particular situation. Example: "As the audience waited for the performance to begin, there was an unmistakable air of expectation in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

There is an air of expectation.

The Guardian

There was an amazing buzz about the offices and a huge air of expectation.

The Guardian - Sport

There was no air of expectation, no feeling that a long-awaited moment had arrived.

The New York Times

There's an air of expectation as they wait to file in and take their seats.

The New York Times

It's always a heady, excitable week, but this year there's a heightened air of expectation.

The Guardian - Music

The morning after my daughter's birth, there was a certain stirring in the ward, an air of expectation.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Beneath all this is the peculiar British combination of bragging and bewilderment, an air of expectations great but unmet and of unrealised specialness.

The Economist

They conjure up a palpable air of delicious expectation, like standing on the edge of a cliff wearing a wingsuit.

The Guardian - Music

An air of pleasant expectation could be felt, as if you were watching happy crowds gather for a free summer concert.

The New Yorker

It wasn't the wretched weather bringing everyone down – howling winds and stormy skies had blighted the previous few days – but the air of nervous expectation.

The Guardian

Though nobody could have foreseen just how special the fight would be, there was an air of heightened expectation before the first bell.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "air of expectation" to create a sense of anticipation or excitement in your writing. It's effective when setting the scene before a significant event or announcement.

Common error

Avoid using "air of expectation" interchangeably with phrases that convey negative emotions like "air of anxiety" or "air of dread". The phrase specifically implies a positive or hopeful anticipation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "air of expectation" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It describes the prevailing mood or atmosphere characterized by anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Music

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "air of expectation" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe a prevailing mood of anticipation. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It frequently appears in news articles, sports reports, and music reviews, suggesting its broad applicability across different writing styles. Alternatives include "sense of anticipation" and "feeling of expectancy". When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended positive or hopeful tone, avoiding confusion with expressions that convey negativity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of anticipation

Focuses on the feeling of looking forward to something.

feeling of expectancy

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of awaiting an event.

climate of anticipation

Refers to a prevailing atmosphere of looking forward to something.

aura of expectancy

Suggests a surrounding atmosphere filled with anticipation.

mood of expectation

Highlights the prevailing emotional state of anticipating something.

atmosphere of suspense

Conveys a feeling of anxious anticipation.

sense of excitement

Focuses on the thrill and eagerness associated with anticipation.

feeling of hopefulness

Emphasizes the positive outlook associated with anticipation.

undercurrent of anticipation

Implies a subtle but pervasive feeling of expectancy.

tinge of anticipation

Suggests a slight hint or trace of expectancy.

FAQs

How can I use "air of expectation" in a sentence?

You can use "air of expectation" to describe a feeling or atmosphere of anticipation, for example: "There was an "air of expectation" surrounding the team before the championship game".

What is a good substitute for "air of expectation"?

Alternatives include "sense of anticipation", "feeling of expectancy", or "climate of anticipation", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

How does "air of expectation" differ from "air of suspense"?

"Air of expectation" suggests a hopeful anticipation, while "air of suspense" implies a more anxious or uncertain anticipation. The key difference lies in the emotional tone of the anticipation.

Is "air of expectation" formal or informal?

The phrase "air of expectation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is frequently found in news articles, books, and everyday conversation.