expectations were soaring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expectations were soaring" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where people's hopes or anticipations are significantly high, often in relation to an event or outcome. Example: "After the successful launch of the new product, expectations were soaring for its performance in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

With three straight playoff appearances after a long postseason drought, expectations were soaring.

The New York Times - Sports

What a difference eight months make: at end of last year, the U.S. dollar, interest rates, and inflation expectations were soaring on the back of Donald Trump's surprise election win.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Nice try, but too late; expectations are soaring, and they should be.

The New York Times - Sports

With Mathis's all-around game, it is no wonder that expectations are soaring.

The New York Times - Sports

Heart rates were soaring.

The Guardian - Sport

Takeover prices were soaring.

The Washington Post

Costs were soaring.

Los Angeles Times

Allen L. Sack, director of sport management at the University of New Haven and a former Irish player, said that "there are these expectations that are soaring so high, since Notre Dame has not had a national championship since 1988".

The New York Times - Sports

"Expectations and investments are soaring now as never before in the nation's history," Sharon Kagan, a professor of early childhood policy at Teachers College at Columbia University, said in a paper she wrote last year and presented at a conference last month.

The New York Times

What the referendum result unleashed was soaring expectations among those who choose to blame their misfortunes – real or imagined – upon immigrants.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jason Cummins, the research chief at a major hedge fund and a candidate to lead the New York Fed, points out that capital expenditure is recovering; expectations of capital expenditure are soaring; and the personal saving rate has fallen back to its pre-crisis low.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using this phrase when describing routine expectations or situations where a more moderate level of anticipation is appropriate. Instead, opt for terms like "expectations were high".

Common error

While "expectations were soaring" is impactful, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Overuse can diminish its effect and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "anticipation was running high" or "hopes were elevated" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expectations were soaring" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to illustrate a period of heightened anticipation and optimism. The Ludwig examples show this phrase being used in sports and economic contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "expectations were soaring" is used to describe situations characterized by high levels of anticipation and optimism, typically following a positive event. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears primarily in news, sports and business contexts. While effective, it should be used judiciously to avoid overuse. Alternatives like "anticipation was running high" can add variety to your writing. This phrase has neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anticipation was running high

Changes "expectations" to "anticipation" and uses a more active verb phrase to convey excitement.

hopes were elevated

Replaces "expectations" with "hopes" and "soaring" with "elevated", suggesting a more moderate increase in optimism.

optimism was rampant

Emphasizes the widespread positive sentiment, using "rampant" to convey a sense of pervasiveness.

excitement was building

Focuses on the increasing feeling of enthusiasm, shifting the emphasis from expectation to emotion.

the atmosphere was charged with anticipation

Uses a more descriptive and evocative expression to portray the feeling of heightened anticipation.

there was a palpable sense of anticipation

Highlights the tangible feeling of anticipation, making it almost physically perceptible.

everyone anticipated great things

Shifts the focus to the collective anticipation of positive outcomes.

the outlook was very promising

Focuses on the favorable prospects and positive signs for the future.

prospects looked exceptionally bright

Emphasizes the positive nature of the future possibilities and outcomes.

the future seemed exceptionally promising

Highlights the positive expectations of the future and what can happen.

FAQs

How can I use "expectations were soaring" in a sentence?

Use "expectations were soaring" to describe a situation where there's a significant increase in positive anticipation. For example, "After the company's groundbreaking announcement, expectations were soaring for the new product launch."

What's a less intense alternative to "expectations were soaring"?

If you want to convey a high, but not extremely high level of anticipation, you might use alternatives like "expectations were high" or "hopes were elevated".

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "expectations were soaring"?

It's best to avoid using "expectations were soaring" in situations where the level of anticipation is only moderate or routine. This phrase implies a significant, often dramatic, increase in optimism.

What's the difference between "expectations were soaring" and "expectations were high"?

"Expectations were soaring" suggests a dramatic increase in anticipation, often due to a specific positive event. "Expectations were high" simply indicates a generally positive outlook without necessarily implying a recent surge.