faint hope

USAGE SUMMARY

"faint hope" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a small chance or possibility of something occurring (often with a negative connotation). For example, "It was a faint hope, but they still held on to the possibility of winning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Faint hope found in a Huddle House.

The New York Times

This seems a faint hope today.

The Guardian - Opinion

She had faint hope of seeing her tormentor punished.

The New York Times

Publicly, the president maintained a faint hope that a deal could still be reached before Friday.

The New York Times

But Haiti's bishops may offer the best (if faint) hope of a breakthrough.

The Economist

He put up dummy's ace, in the faint hope, unfulfilled, of collecting a singleton king.

The New York Times - Arts

Any faint hope was snuffed out as soon as he crossed the threshold.

The Guardian - Books

It was a faint hope because I was bullied a lot.

The Guardian - Sport

We have often said it with faint hope that it would ever happen.

The New York Times

Everyone else watched from the decks in the faint hope that someone might fall in.

The Guardian - Travel

"Crocked off?" Dr. Harden's voice expressed a faint hope that this might be some new honor.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "faint hope" to introduce an element of doubt or skepticism, creating a nuanced tone that acknowledges possibility while tempering expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "faint hope" when a more optimistic phrase would be appropriate. Ensure the degree of hope you express accurately reflects the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "faint hope" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "faint" modifies the noun "hope". It describes the degree or intensity of the hope, indicating it is weak or slight. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "faint hope" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that suggests a small or weak possibility. As Ludwig AI points out, it is suitable for describing situations where optimism is tempered by realism. Predominantly found in News & Media, this phrase adds a layer of nuance, conveying a sense of caution or uncertainty. Related phrases like "slim chance" and "slight possibility" offer similar meanings, while understanding common errors can help writers use the phrase accurately and effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weak possibility

Directly describes the hope as lacking strength or a strong foundation.

remote chance

Suggests that chances are limited and it's not very probable.

slim chance

Emphasizes the improbability of the desired outcome, focusing on the smallness of the chance.

distant hope

Highlights that the realization of hope is not easy or near.

slight possibility

Highlights the uncertainty and lack of strength in the potential for something to happen.

minimal prospect

Indicates that the chance of success is as small as it could realistically be.

remote prospect

Indicates that the likelihood of success is distant and not immediately foreseeable.

tenuous expectation

Suggests the expectation is fragile and easily undermined.

negligible likelihood

Stresses the insignificance of the chance of something occurring.

idle expectation

Highlights that the expectation is more of a dream than a real possibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "faint hope" to express a small possibility or a weak expectation for something to happen. For example: "Despite the odds, there was a faint hope that they would succeed."

What are some alternatives to "faint hope"?

You can use alternatives like "slim chance", "slight possibility", or "remote prospect" depending on the specific context.

Is "faint hope" a commonly used phrase?

Yes, "faint hope" is a fairly common phrase used to describe a small or weak chance of something positive occurring.

What does it imply when someone says there is a "faint hope"?

Saying there is a "faint hope" implies that the situation is not promising, and success is unlikely, but still theoretically possible.