alter your expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alter your expectations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to adjust their hopes or beliefs about a situation, often in response to new information or circumstances. Example: "Given the recent changes in the project timeline, it might be wise to alter your expectations regarding the completion date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Please don't alter your expectations for this child.

Huffington Post

Once you know the source of your work dynamics, you can rationally alter your expectations.

Huffington Post

Alter Your Expectations and Don't Make Assumptions -- In any relationship, we can start to impose certain expectations on our friends that set us up to feel hurt or disappointed.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Being stuck in traffic is frustratingly real; but it is also a state of mind that can alter according to your expectations about how quickly you should be going.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Gettelfinger said the union expected to appeal to Mr. Obama to alter the expectations for wage and benefit cuts.

The New York Times

'But that reality doesn't alter the expectations at this club.

The Guardian - Sport

Core teachings Liberals who would like to see significant doctrinal shifts from Francis should alter their expectations.

The Guardian

"The Committee was attempting to alter the expectations of market participants," the Cleveland Fed said in its report.

The New York Times

Doctors may defend themselves by saying patients expect prescriptions, but doctors, because of the balance of power, are in the best position to alter those expectations.

The New York Times

To control costs in the United States, patients may also have to alter their expectations, including the presence of an obstetrician at every prenatal visit and delivery.

The New York Times - Health

Now, almost a century after the first successful broadcast, we are witnessing a series of seismic shifts in media consumption patterns that will alter consumer expectations and engagement forever.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and their existing understanding of the situation before advising them to "alter your expectations". Clarity and empathy are key.

Common error

A common mistake is to advise someone to "alter your expectations" without providing sufficient context or justification. Always explain the reasons behind the need for adjustment to avoid confusion or resistance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alter your expectations" functions as a directive, urging someone to modify their anticipations or beliefs. This phrase is used to manage potential disappointment or align thinking with a new reality, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Reference

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "alter your expectations" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that advises someone to adjust their hopes or beliefs about a situation. As noted by Ludwig, its primary function is directive, urging a modification of anticipation in light of new information or changing circumstances. While Ludwig confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase, its frequency is uncommon, appearing most often in news and media, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to justify the need for adjustment. Consider using alternatives like "adjust your expectations", "revise your expectations", or "manage your expectations" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adjust your expectations

Replaces "alter" with "adjust", implying a slight modification rather than a complete change.

modify your expectations

Substitutes "alter" with "modify", suggesting a change or adjustment in one's anticipated outcomes or beliefs.

revise your expectations

Replaces "alter" with "revise", implying a more thorough review and potential change.

rethink your expectations

Suggests a deeper consideration and potential change in one's anticipated outcomes.

re-evaluate your expectations

Emphasizes the need to assess and potentially change one's expectations based on new information.

lower your expectations

Specifies the direction of the change, indicating a reduction in what one anticipates.

manage your expectations

Focuses on controlling and guiding expectations to a more realistic level.

temper your expectations

Suggests moderating or softening expectations to avoid disappointment.

shift your perspective

Highlights the change in viewpoint rather than the specific adjustment of expectations.

reset your expectations

Implies a complete restart or re-establishment of expectations.

FAQs

What does "alter your expectations" mean?

It means to adjust or change what you anticipate or hope for, often in response to new information or circumstances. You might need to "adjust your expectations" if a project's timeline changes.

What can I say instead of "alter your expectations"?

You can use phrases like "adjust your expectations", "revise your expectations", or "manage your expectations" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to tell someone to "alter your expectations"?

It's appropriate when new information arises, circumstances change, or initial hopes are unrealistic. Be sure to provide context when advising someone to "adjust their expectations".

Is it better to "alter" or "adjust" your expectations?

Both "alter" and "adjust" work, but "adjust" often implies a minor modification, while "alter" can suggest a more significant change. Choose the word that best reflects the degree of change needed in your "management of expectations".