building up expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "building up expectations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of creating or increasing hopes or anticipations about something, often in a context where those expectations may or may not be met. Example: "The marketing campaign was effective in building up expectations for the new product launch, leading to a significant increase in pre-orders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Analysts said his lack of recognition could work in his favor by not building up expectations in the beginning that he cannot fulfill.

The New York Times

When, many years from now, history books about this period come to be written, the internet may well turn out to have been an agent not of political upheaval in China but of authoritarian adaptation before the upheaval, building up expectations for better government while delaying the kind of political transformation needed to deliver it.

The Economist

But the workforce problems are now of such magnitude that the NHS central bodies may be forced to choose between painful honesty about what can realistically be delivered in the coming years, or building up expectations that can never be met.

The Guardian

The perils of speculating about the search and building up expectations became evident last summer when Riccardo Muti, the music director at La Scala in Milan and the runaway favorite to assume Mr. Masur's baton, abruptly withdrew over a reluctance to settle in New York and commit to the time requirements that the Philharmonic demanded.

The New York Times - Arts

After building up expectations for an entire quarter, major U.S. corporations on the S&P 500 stock index did not disappoint.

Forbes

The show has done a great job building up expectations over the course of the season that anything could happen, and that something really, really bad was likely going to happen.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Agents spent this weekend managing the expectations of their clients, but by the end of the year, they will be building up the expectations of the next crop.

The New York Times - Sports

Hence as Judge et al. [ 47] pointed out, it could be argued that surgeons should explain to patients with low expectations that the TJR will be quite successful, building up appropriate expectations.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Building up Idriss' Supreme Military Council is crucial given the administration's expectation of a continuing struggle after Assad is toppled.

The Washington Post

"We are dealing with the expectations that a baby's brain is building up.

The Guardian

THIS time, nobody could accuse the Pentagon of building up unrealistic expectations.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "building up expectations", consider the potential for disappointment if those expectations are not met. Ensure there's a realistic possibility of fulfilling the anticipation you create.

Common error

Avoid "building up expectations" to an unrealistic level. Exaggerated claims can lead to dissatisfaction and damage credibility if the reality falls short of the promised outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "building up expectations" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun within a sentence. As shown in Ludwig, it describes the process of creating or increasing anticipation about a future event or outcome.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "building up expectations" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe the process of generating or increasing anticipation. While considered uncommon, it's found across various contexts like news, media, science, and wiki, per Ludwig's analysis. To avoid overpromising, ensure that the reality aligns with the anticipated outcome. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this phrase, affirming its usability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raising anticipation

Focuses on increasing excitement or eagerness about something.

creating anticipation

Highlights the act of generating a feeling of excitement about a future event.

fueling anticipation

Suggests adding to or intensifying existing excitement.

heightening expectations

Emphasizes increasing the level or intensity of anticipation.

fostering anticipation

Emphasizes nurturing and encouraging a sense of expectancy.

cultivating anticipation

Similar to fostering, but suggests a more deliberate and careful approach.

setting the stage

Implies preparing for a future event by creating certain expectations.

managing expectations

Deals with controlling and guiding the hopes and beliefs of others.

generating hype

Indicates creating buzz and excitement, often for marketing purposes.

creating a buzz

Focuses on generating attention and excitement through word-of-mouth.

FAQs

How can I use "building up expectations" in a sentence?

You can use "building up expectations" to describe the process of creating anticipation for something. For example: "The marketing campaign was effectively "building up expectations" for the new product launch."

What's a good alternative to "building up expectations"?

Alternatives include "raising anticipation", "creating anticipation", or "fostering anticipation" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to manage expectations or build them up?

The better approach depends on the goal. "Building up expectations" can create excitement, while "managing expectations" aims to ensure satisfaction by aligning anticipation with reality.

How do you avoid disappointing people after "building up expectations"?

Ensure that what you're promoting can live up to the hype. Be transparent about potential limitations and focus on delivering a positive experience that meets or exceeds reasonable anticipation.