expectations are high

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expectations are high" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to convey that there is a strong belief or anticipation for something to happen or be achieved. Example: As the new CEO, my main goal is to meet the high expectations set by the board of directors and lead the company to success.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Expectations are high.

The New York Times - Sports

Expectations are high in London.

The New York Times - Sports

Here too, expectations are high.

The New York Times

"I believe expectations are high.

The New York Times

So expectations are high".

The New York Times - Magazine

I know the expectations are high.

The New York Times - Sports

Expectations are high in the capital.

Independent

So my expectations are high.

The Guardian - Travel

"We know expectations are high.

The New York Times

Among Palestinians, political expectations are high.

The Guardian

"Our expectations are high," Frank said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expectations are high" to set the stage for discussing potential outcomes or challenges. It's especially useful when introducing a project, product, or event.

Common error

Avoid using "expectations are high" in situations where it's self-evident. For example, saying "expectations are high for the Super Bowl" is redundant; instead, focus on specific aspects like player performance or game strategy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expectations are high" primarily functions as a statement indicating a strong anticipation or belief in a positive outcome or successful performance. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig showcase it used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Reference

6%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "expectations are high" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys a sense of strong anticipation or pressure. According to Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted and understood in written English. As shown by Ludwig's examples, the phrase is commonly found in news articles, business reports, and other formal contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to be mindful of the audience and ensure that the context warrants the level of anticipation being expressed. Alternatives such as "anticipation is great" or "much is expected" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Common errors to avoid include stating the obvious when the context already implies high expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

much is expected

Directly focuses on what people believe should occur.

anticipation is great

Highlights strong feelings related to a future event, maintaining a close semantic connection.

hopes are elevated

Focuses on the positive wishes associated with an event or outcome.

anticipation is significant

Emphasizes the feeling of looking forward to something, similar to having high expectations.

there's much anticipation

Rephrases to focus on the abundance of anticipatory feelings.

much is anticipated

Passively highlights the extensive degree of anticipation surrounding something.

stakes are considerable

Emphasizes the importance and potential consequences of a situation.

standards are demanding

Highlights the strict requirements that need to be met.

achievement is crucial

Highlights the high importance of achieving a certain goal.

pressure is intense

Indicates a strong sense of urgency and the need to perform well.

FAQs

How can I use "expectations are high" in a sentence?

You can use "expectations are high" to indicate a strong anticipation or belief in a positive outcome. For example, "Expectations are high for the new product launch, given the company's previous successes".

What's a formal alternative to "expectations are high"?

In a formal setting, you could say "considerable anticipation exists" or "there is significant anticipation". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

What does it mean when someone says "expectations are high"?

When someone says "expectations are high", it means that there is a strong belief or anticipation that something will be successful or of very good quality. It often implies that there is pressure to meet those expectations.

Which is correct, "expectations are high" or "expectation is high"?

"Expectations are high" is the correct phrasing when referring to a general anticipation or belief shared by multiple people. "Expectation is high" might be used when referring to a single person's anticipation, but it's less common.