feel optimistic about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel optimistic about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a positive outlook or hope regarding a particular situation or outcome. Example: "I feel optimistic about the future of our project, given the progress we've made so far."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I feel optimistic about the future.

The New York Times - Science

Does he feel optimistic about the future?

The Guardian

I do feel optimistic about it.

The Guardian

"We feel optimistic about those discussions".

The New York Times

Until recently, environmentalists were beginning to feel optimistic about Greece.

The New York Times

This award makes me feel optimistic about it".

The New York Times - Magazine

It makes me feel optimistic about the future.

The Guardian

Jorge Patiño, 39, Bogotá I feel optimistic about our future.

The Guardian

Republicans feel optimistic about their chances in 2016.

The Guardian

"I don't feel optimistic about the players' willingness to engage in a serious way".

The New York Times - Sports

Watching her dance, it was easy to feel optimistic about her future.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel optimistic about" to express a general sense of hope and positive expectation, but consider alternatives like "be confident about" or "anticipate favorably" when a stronger degree of assurance is intended.

Common error

While widely acceptable, repeatedly using "feel optimistic about" in formal writing can sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "anticipate a favorable outcome" or "express confidence in" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel optimistic about" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of mind or emotion. It's used to communicate a positive expectation or hope concerning a particular person, thing, or situation. Examples from Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts, reflecting a general sentiment of positivity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel optimistic about" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a positive outlook. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While acceptable in both formal and informal settings, it's advisable to consider synonyms to avoid repetition, especially in professional writing. When choosing an alternative, assess the nuance you intend to convey: "be confident about" suggests greater certainty, while "feel hopeful about" focuses more on hope. By understanding its function, purpose, and usage patterns, writers can effectively use "feel optimistic about" and its related phrases to express their intended sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel hopeful about

Focuses specifically on hope, a core component of optimism but not necessarily encompassing confidence.

feel positive about

Emphasizes a generally positive sentiment, which may or may not include a future-oriented expectation.

be confident about

Highlights assurance and certainty, suggesting a stronger conviction than simple optimism.

look forward to

Expresses anticipation and pleasure about a future event, but doesn't necessarily imply an assessment of its likelihood.

anticipate favorably

A more formal way to express positive expectations, suitable for professional contexts.

expect good things from

Focuses on anticipating positive outcomes, often implying a belief in a positive trajectory.

have high hopes for

Underscores the intensity of the hope, suggesting a strong desire for a positive outcome.

be bullish on

An informal, often business-related expression, indicating strong confidence and positive expectations for something.

see a bright future for

Emphasizes the overall positive outlook for the long term.

believe in a positive outcome

Highlights the conviction that the result will be favorable, regardless of potential challenges.

FAQs

How can I use "feel optimistic about" in a sentence?

You can use "feel optimistic about" to express a positive outlook or hope regarding a particular situation. For example, "I "feel optimistic about" the future of renewable energy" or "She "feels optimistic about" the upcoming negotiations".

What are some alternatives to "feel optimistic about"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "feel hopeful about", "be confident about", "look forward to", or "anticipate favorably".

Is it correct to say "I am optimistic about" instead of "I feel optimistic about"?

Yes, "I am optimistic about" is a perfectly correct and often more concise alternative. Both phrases express a positive outlook, but "I am optimistic about" can sound more direct and assertive.

What is the difference between "feel optimistic about" and "wishful thinking"?

"Feel optimistic about" suggests a reasoned hope based on some evidence or potential, whereas "wishful thinking" implies a belief without any realistic basis, often driven by desire rather than logic.