great expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great expectations" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to high hopes or expectations for something. For example, "It was a much-anticipated event and I had great expectations for how it would turn out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Great Expectations".

The New York Times - Books

"The fans had great expectations.

The New York Times - Sports

Meredith: "Great Expectations" Splash.

The New Yorker

I have great expectations.

The New York Times

d) Great Expectations.

The Guardian - Books

The ever-popular Great Expectations?

The Guardian - Books

Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens.

The New Yorker

"Great expectations bring great disappointments.

The New York Times - Sports

No great expectations should help.

The Guardian - Sport

Or, better still, Great Expectations?

The Guardian - Books

Ford also has great expectations in China.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "great expectations", consider the context. Ensure it aligns with the level of formality and the specific domain, whether it's news, business, or general conversation.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "great expectations" in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "high hopes" or "optimistic outlook" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great expectations" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a state of anticipating significant positive outcomes or achievements. Ludwig confirms that it's used in diverse contexts from literature to business.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "great expectations" is a versatile phrase commonly used to convey anticipation and high hopes for future events. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, including news, business, and general discussions. While generally neutral in tone, its formality can shift based on the situation. When writing, be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms to maintain reader interest. It is vital to remember that great expectations can also imply pressure or the potential for disappointment if those expectations are not met.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

high hopes

Replaces "expectations" with a more general term for positive anticipation.

significant anticipation

Replaces "great" with "significant" and uses the noun form of expect.

substantial anticipation

Similar to "significant anticipation" but with a slightly different emphasis.

lofty ambitions

Substitutes both "great" and "expectations" to convey ambitious goals.

bright prospects

Focuses on potential future success rather than anticipation.

considerable optimism

Replaces "expectations" with "optimism" while keeping a sense of scale.

optimistic outlook

Emphasizes a positive view of the future.

inflated hopes

Similar meaning but with negative connotation.

rosy forecast

Uses a metaphorical term to describe a positive prediction.

grandiose visions

Uses stronger language to convey ambitious and perhaps unrealistic aspirations.

FAQs

How can I use "great expectations" in a sentence?

You can use "great expectations" to describe anticipation for future events or outcomes. For example: "The fans had "high hopes" for the team this season, leading to "great expectations".".

What are some alternatives to "great expectations"?

Alternatives include "high hopes", "bright prospects", or "optimistic outlook". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "I have great expectations" or "I have high hopes"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""great expectations"" implies a stronger sense of anticipation and potential significance than ""high hopes"". The choice depends on the degree of anticipation you wish to express.

Can "great expectations" be used negatively?

Yes, ""great expectations"" can sometimes imply that disappointment is likely if those expectations are not met. The phrase often carries a sense of potential pressure or risk of failure.