dark hope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dark hope" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to convey a sense of hope that is tinged with negativity or uncertainty, often in a poetic or metaphorical context. Example: "In the midst of despair, she clung to her dark hope, believing that even the bleakest situations could lead to unexpected outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

But lately she has revisited "Dark Hope" in concert.

The New York Times - Arts

Whether or not you enjoyed "Dark Hope," you had to admit that it was gutsy.

The New York Times - Arts

Her transformation in "Dark Hope" is too extreme for her fans, I think.

The New York Times - Arts

First, that spring, she released an indie-rock recording, "Dark Hope".

The New York Times - Arts

One last thing occurred to me about "Dark Hope" and the endless crossover paradoxes.

The New York Times - Arts

Little about "Dark Hope" suggested that Ms. Fleming felt connected to what she sang; and fussy, overwrought arrangements didn't help.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

We crashed around in the dark, hoping for woodcock.

The New Yorker

In "Please Excuse My Daughter," there are no discernable lies masking dark hopes of literary recognition.

The New York Times - Books

Hundreds lined up in the early-morning dark, hoping to gawk from one of the few spare gallery seats.

The New York Times

Reading Hellman's script, one feels a pang, every once in a while, for Regina's dark hopes.

The New Yorker

There is a feeling of being suspended in time, slow-dancing in the dark, hoping the moment will never end.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dark hope" to convey a nuanced sense of optimism tempered by underlying negativity or uncertainty. It's particularly effective in literary or metaphorical contexts where you want to evoke a complex emotional state.

Common error

Avoid using "dark hope" when a straightforward expression of optimism or pessimism is more appropriate. This phrase is best suited for situations where the emotion is truly mixed, not simply a case of negativity overshadowing any hope.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dark hope" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "dark" modifies the noun "hope". It conveys a qualified or tempered sense of optimism. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is grammatically correct and understandable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dark hope" is a grammatically sound and meaningful expression used to convey a complex emotional state where optimism is mixed with negativity or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and understandable. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, as shown by Ludwig's examples, it's versatile enough for other forms of writing. When using "dark hope", ensure you're aiming to capture a nuanced feeling rather than a simple expression of positivity or negativity. Consider alternatives like "bleak optimism" or "shadowed hope" to fine-tune the specific meaning you wish to communicate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bleak optimism

Emphasizes the contrast between a negative situation and a positive outlook.

shadowed hope

Highlights the presence of doubt or negativity affecting the feeling of hope.

tinged hope

Focuses on the subtle influence of something negative on hope.

guarded optimism

Implies caution and restraint in expressing hope.

sober hope

Suggests a serious and realistic perspective on hope.

bittersweet hope

Indicates a mixture of positive and negative emotions associated with hope.

frail hope

Conveys a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty regarding hope.

tenuous hope

Emphasizes the weak and uncertain nature of hope.

remote possibility

Shifts the focus to the improbability of the desired outcome.

faint glimmer of hope

Highlights the small and uncertain nature of hope.

FAQs

How can I use "dark hope" in a sentence?

Use "dark hope" to describe a situation where there's a sense of optimism intertwined with negativity or uncertainty. For example, "Despite the grim circumstances, a "dark hope" lingered that things might eventually improve."

What can I say instead of "dark hope"?

You can use alternatives like "bleak optimism", "shadowed hope", or "guarded optimism" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "dark hope" the same as "false hope"?

No, "dark hope" implies a genuine, albeit somewhat subdued or tainted, sense of optimism. "False hope" suggests an unfounded or misleading belief in a positive outcome.

When is it appropriate to use "dark hope" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to describe a situation where optimism is present but overshadowed by negative circumstances or uncertainty, creating a complex and nuanced emotional landscape.