control expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "control expectations" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing managing or moderating what someone anticipates or hopes for in a situation. For example, "To avoid disappointment, it's important to control expectations about the project's timeline." Alternative expressions include "manage expectations" and "set realistic expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Combining movement with meditative practices can help protect your good health -- but let common sense control expectations and don't, for example, expect reverses in disease or other miraculous results from so-called Eastern exercise practices.

Huffington Post

What we did learn is that it's difficult to control expectations.

The New York Times - Sports

Gazidis said Adu's time in M.L.S. taught the league that, "it's difficult to control expectations".

The New York Times - Sports

Having reduced rates to almost zero, the Fed has limited its ability to control expectations by adjusting rates.

The New York Times

"It would become very difficult after that to control expectations," analysts at Bank of America Merrill Lynch said in a note to clients on Wednesday.

The New York Times

Still, popular films, the great American cultural export and the rare unifier in a toxically divided nation, are going the way of open Congressional districts and serendipitous love — to echo-chambered niches, where like-minded people can safely control expectations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The study discovers that pressure differentials as low as under 0.2 Pa can be sufficient for achieving a high level of air cleanliness to meet environmental control expectation and requirements.

Building and Environment

But it's the new cost-control measures that are being developed by the federal government, states and private insurers that will determine whether the health care reform meets its cost-control expectations.

The New York Times

And Trump and his team provided a master class in controlling expectations.

The Washington Post

Even so, he refuses to say whether he would tear up the Vilnius agreements if he were to come to power next year.If Moldova and Ukraine both sign up in Vilnius the task for Moldova especially is controlling expectations, says a diplomat.

The Economist

"Because controlling expectations is so crucial, the only practical way to do business with visionaries is through a small, top-level direct sales force.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When communicating project timelines or potential outcomes, proactively "control expectations" by providing realistic estimates and potential challenges.

Common error

Avoid over-promising to impress stakeholders. Inflated promises can lead to unmet "expectations" and a loss of credibility; always aim to "control" the "expectations" setting realistic goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "control expectations" functions primarily as a verb phrase where 'control' acts as a transitive verb taking 'expectations' as its direct object. This indicates an action being performed upon the expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "control expectations" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as verified by Ludwig AI. While not extremely common, it appears consistently across diverse contexts like news, science, and business. The phrase is about proactively managing or influencing what people anticipate. Alternatives such as "manage expectations" or "set realistic expectations" offer similar meanings with slight differences in emphasis. Remember to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring that communication is clear and goals are achievable to avoid potential disappointment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manage expectations

Focuses on the act of managing anticipations, similar to controlling them but with a slightly softer connotation.

set realistic expectations

Emphasizes establishing achievable anticipations, rather than simply influencing existing ones.

temper expectations

Suggests moderating or lessening the intensity of anticipations.

curb expectations

Indicates restraining or limiting expectations, often to prevent disappointment.

adjust expectations

Implies making alterations to anticipations based on new information or circumstances.

moderate expectations

Focuses on keeping expectations within reasonable limits.

influence expectations

Highlights the act of having an impact on people's anticipations, rather than directly managing them.

shape expectations

Suggests actively forming or molding anticipations.

guide expectations

Implies directing or leading people's anticipations in a specific direction.

contain expectations

Similar to curbing, but suggests keeping expectations within certain boundaries.

FAQs

How can I use "control expectations" in a sentence?

You can use "control expectations" to talk about managing or influencing what people anticipate. For example, "The manager tried to "control expectations" about the project's completion date."

What is a good alternative to "control expectations"?

A good alternative is to "manage expectations", which also implies guiding and influencing what people anticipate, but can sound less forceful.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "control expectations"?

It's appropriate to use "control expectations" when you want to emphasize the importance of guiding or influencing anticipations to avoid disappointment or to ensure realistic goals are set.

Is "control expectations" formal or informal?

"Control expectations" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though "manage expectations" might be preferred in more delicate or sensitive situations.