false hopes

USAGE SUMMARY

"false hopes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to hopes that cannot be fulfilled. For example, "Her false hopes of getting the job kept her motivated until she finally obtained it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

His spokesman said on Monday that South Africans should not hold out "false hopes".

BBC

"False hopes?

The New Yorker

False alarms, false hopes.

The Economist

All false hopes translateto just beginnings.

The New Yorker

"You're giving them false hopes," he said.

The New York Times

I do not want false hopes.

The Guardian

"But optimism sometimes embraces false hopes".

The New York Times - Arts

Hollywood was criticized for raising false hopes.

The New York Times - Health

The usual story: clinics, specialists, nurses, brief rallies, false hopes.

The New Yorker

But Wales seems to have instilled false hopes.

The New York Times - Sports

But we don't want to raise false hopes here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics like health or politics, be mindful of the impact your words may have on others. Avoid phrases that could unintentionally create "false hopes", especially when there is limited evidence to support a positive outcome.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the benefits of a product, treatment, or policy. Overstating potential outcomes can lead to "false hopes" and distrust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "false hopes" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. Ludwig examples show it describes expectations or beliefs that are unlikely to be realized. It highlights the deception or lack of foundation behind these expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "false hopes" effectively communicates the concept of unrealistic or misleading expectations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes hopes that are unlikely to be fulfilled. Ludwig examples show that it is used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, with a neutral register. When writing, it's crucial to avoid creating "false hopes" through exaggeration or misleading information. Instead, focus on providing accurate and balanced perspectives. Alternatives like "unfounded expectations" or "illusory prospects" can offer similar nuances depending on the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfounded expectations

Focuses on the lack of a solid basis for the expectations.

illusory prospects

Highlights the deceptive nature of the apparent opportunities.

vain aspirations

Emphasizes the futility and ultimate disappointment associated with the aspirations.

delusive anticipations

Stresses the misleading and deceptive quality of the anticipations.

misplaced optimism

Indicates that the optimism is not justified by the circumstances.

futile expectations

Highlights the uselessness of the expectations, as they will not lead to a desired outcome.

unrealistic optimism

Focuses on the divergence between the optimism and the actual reality.

empty promises

Shifts the focus to the deceptive nature of promises that will not be kept.

unfulfilled dreams

Emphasizes the lack of realization of the dreams.

disappointed expectations

Highlights the negative emotional outcome of the unmet expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "false hopes" in a sentence?

You can use "false hopes" to describe situations where expectations are unlikely to be met. For example, "The politician's promises raised "false hopes" among voters."

What are some alternatives to "false hopes"?

Alternatives to "false hopes" include "unfounded expectations", "illusory prospects", or "vain aspirations", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to have "false hopes" or no hope at all?

While "false hopes" can lead to disappointment, some argue that having no hope can be even more detrimental. The ideal scenario is to maintain a realistic outlook while still striving for positive change.

What's the difference between "false hopes" and optimism?

"False hopes" refer to expectations that are unlikely to be realized, often based on unrealistic or misleading information. Optimism, on the other hand, is a more general positive outlook, which may or may not be based on concrete evidence.