expectations for the future

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expectations for the future" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing hopes, predictions, or beliefs about what will happen in the coming time. Example: "The company's expectations for the future are optimistic, as they anticipate growth in their market share."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Expectations for the future also reached a record low.

The New York Times

On Nov. 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall fell, with celebrations and high expectations for the future.

The New York Times

The other returned to a prosperous home, loving family and high expectations for the future.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are less educated, have fewer financial resources and have low expectations for the future.

The New York Times

Companies' appraisal of the present situation improved, but their expectations for the future deteriorated.

The Economist

Indexes of how companies view their current circumstances and their expectations for the future also rose.

The New York Times

How well do people factor past performance into their expectations for the future?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And Smith has high expectations for the future if more data can be gathered.

MIT Technology Review

Consumers' opinions of current conditions fell slightly, while expectations for the future were virtually the same.

The New York Times

Maybe Cheung was feeling punchy, but she began holding forth on her business and her expectations for the future.

The New Yorker

When the board surveys consumers, it measures both their perception of how things are and their expectations for the future.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing broad societal or economic trends, use "expectations for the future" to convey general sentiments and anticipations. For instance, "Rising inflation is dampening expectations for the future economic growth."

Common error

Avoid using "expectations for the future" when a concrete forecast or estimation is needed. Instead, opt for terms like "predictions" or "projections" to convey a more definitive outlook. For instance, use "economic predictions" instead of "economic expectations" when citing specific growth rates.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expectations for the future" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as the subject or object of a sentence, representing anticipated or projected outcomes. The examples from Ludwig AI demonstrate its use in various contexts, ranging from economic outlooks to personal aspirations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expectations for the future" is a commonly used noun phrase to express anticipations or beliefs about forthcoming events, with a neutral register appropriate for various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in diverse fields like news, academia, and science. While alternatives such as "prospects for the future" or "predictions for the future" exist, understanding the nuances is important. Remember to use "expectations" when discussing general sentiments rather than precise forecasts. Considering the common usage and varied applications, mastering the use of "expectations for the future" enhances clarity and effectiveness in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prospects for the future

Focuses on the potential outcomes or opportunities that the future holds, emphasizing possibility rather than anticipation.

predictions for the future

Highlights the act of forecasting or estimating what will occur, differing slightly from general expectations.

forecasts for the future

Implies a more formal or data-driven approach to predicting future events, often used in economic or business contexts.

projections for the future

Suggests a calculated estimate or extrapolation based on current trends, providing a quantitative perspective on future scenarios.

hopes for the future

Emphasizes desires and aspirations, rather than concrete expectations, adding an element of optimism.

visions for the future

Implies a clear mental image or concept of how the future could or should be, often with a creative or innovative aspect.

plans for the future

Focuses on intentional steps and strategies designed to shape future outcomes, suggesting proactive action.

assumptions for the future

Highlights underlying beliefs or premises about what the future will be like, which may or may not be explicitly stated.

dreams for the future

Conveys aspirations that may be less realistic or grounded in practical considerations, emphasizing personal fulfillment.

ambitions for the future

Suggests a strong desire for achievement and success in the future, often linked to career or personal goals.

FAQs

What's the difference between "expectations for the future" and "hopes for the future"?

"Expectations for the future" generally refer to beliefs or anticipations about what is likely to happen, while "hopes for the future" express desires or wishes for what one would like to happen. Expectations are often based on current trends and realities, whereas hopes are more aspirational.

When is it appropriate to use "expectations for the future" in a formal setting?

It's suitable in reports, presentations, or academic papers when discussing anticipated outcomes, trends, or developments. For instance, you might discuss "investors' expectations for the future market performance".

Are there alternatives to "expectations for the future" that I can use to vary my writing?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "prospects for the future", "predictions for the future", or "outlook for the future" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can "expectations for the future" be measured or assessed?

It can be gauged through surveys, market research, economic indicators, and expert opinions. Consumer confidence indices and business sentiment surveys often reflect broader "expectations for the future".