desperate hope

USAGE SUMMARY

"desperate hope" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate a feeling of determined hope despite seemingly impossible odds. For example: "In the face of defeat, she clung to her desperate hope for a better future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In M.'s cell, the news ignited desperate hope.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it was not "desperate hope" that killed them.

The New York Times

Her identity card was found at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, feeding their desperate hope.

The New York Times

It is my desperate hope that we close out of town".

The Guardian

Yet in following years "the empire" became the object of even more rhetoric and more desperate hope than earlier.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She continues, the note of desperate hope gone from her voice.

The Guardian - Film

I calculated and recalculated my purchases in the desperate hope that I hadn't forgotten to declare anything.

The New York Times

But alongside that there's always the feeling that something better might turn up – after all, desperate conditions breed desperate hope.

The Guardian - Books

So all the desperate hope she directed at the boy was made manifest around her in rising blood counts and broken fevers and unlikely remissions.

The New Yorker

My daughter keeps pressing me to name my favourite bands in adolescence in the desperate hope that one day I will nominate someone credible.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Cao Cao's wife was in favour of surgery as a desperate hope, but the king became suspicious that his enemies had bribed Hua Tuo to kill him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desperate hope" to convey a sense of urgency and high stakes, where the outcome is uncertain and the need for a positive resolution is critical.

Common error

While "desperate hope" is a powerful phrase, overusing it can diminish its impact. Use it sparingly to maintain its effectiveness in highlighting truly critical situations. Consider alternatives like "urgent expectation" or "frantic anticipation" to diversify your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desperate hope" functions as a noun phrase, where "desperate" modifies the noun "hope". It highlights the intensity and urgency of the hope. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desperate hope" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to express a strong feeling of optimism amidst dire circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is employed across various contexts, but it's particularly prevalent in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's important to use it judiciously to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "frantic hope" or "urgent hope" can offer nuanced variations. Using "desperate hope" judiciously ensures that its power is reserved for when it can best convey a critical and uncertain situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forlorn hope

Indicates a hope that is unlikely to be realized and may lead to disappointment.

last-ditch hope

Emphasizes that it is the final possibility, with no alternatives left.

frantic hope

Highlights the anxiety and urgency associated with the hope.

urgent hope

Stresses the time-sensitive nature of the hope.

desperate wishing

Focuses more on the act of wanting something intensely, rather than the hope itself.

desperate optimism

Shifts the focus to a general positive outlook in a dire situation, rather than a specific hope.

hopeless hope

Emphasizes the paradox of maintaining hope in a seemingly impossible situation.

dreadful hope

Suggests a hope tinged with fear or apprehension about the potential outcome.

miserable hope

Highlights the sadness or suffering associated with the situation and the hope for relief.

fleeting glimmer of hope

Highlights that it is a weak chance of success.

FAQs

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

You can use "desperate hope" to describe a situation where someone clings to a fragile expectation in a dire situation. For example: "Despite the grim prognosis, the family held onto a "desperate hope" for a miracle."

What phrases are similar to "desperate hope"?

Alternatives include "frantic hope", "urgent hope", or "forlorn hope", each conveying slightly different nuances of intensity and expectation.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "desperate hope"?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "desperate hope" in contexts that trivialize serious situations. It's best reserved for scenarios where the hope is genuinely against significant odds.

What distinguishes "desperate hope" from simple "hope"?

"Desperate hope" implies a situation of extreme urgency and difficulty, where the chances of a positive outcome are slim, whereas simple "hope" suggests a more general feeling of optimism without the same level of severity.