groundless anticipation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "groundless anticipation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe expectations or hopes that are not based on any evidence or reality. Example: "Her groundless anticipation of a promotion led to disappointment when the company decided to restructure instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

My fears were groundless.

The Guardian

Excellent anticipation.

The New York Times

Any worries were groundless.

The New York Times - Books

It's groundless".

The Guardian

These accusations were groundless.

The Guardian

This proved groundless.

The New Yorker

"Such anticipation".

The New York Times

"The accusations were groundless".

The New York Times

Such allegations are groundless.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fears proved groundless.

The Economist

These domestic worries proved groundless.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "groundless anticipation" when you want to critique or dismiss an expectation that lacks any factual support or rational basis.

Common error

While often used negatively, "groundless anticipation" can also describe a naive or innocent hope, especially in fictional contexts. Be mindful of the tone you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "groundless anticipation" functions as a noun phrase, where "groundless" modifies the noun "anticipation". Given its structure and meaning, it often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a particular state of expectation.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "groundless anticipation" describes expectations or hopes that are not based on reality or factual evidence. While grammatically sound, its rare occurrence suggests careful consideration is needed when using it. According to Ludwig, the phrase is deemed grammatically correct. Alternative phrases like "unfounded expectation" or "baseless hope" may offer more common or contextually appropriate options. Use the phrase thoughtfully to critique or dismiss unsupported expectations while being mindful of the tone you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfounded expectation

Emphasizes the lack of a factual basis for the expectation.

baseless hope

Highlights the absence of a rational reason to be hopeful.

unjustified optimism

Suggests a positive outlook that is not warranted by the circumstances.

empty optimism

Stresses the hollowness and lack of substance in the positive anticipation.

idle expectation

Conveys a sense of passivity and lack of effort towards achieving the expectation.

wishful thinking

Indicates a belief in something that is unlikely to happen, often driven by desire rather than reason.

vain anticipation

Highlights the futility of the anticipation, suggesting it will not be fulfilled.

illusory prospect

Implies that the anticipated outcome is an illusion or mirage.

delusional expectation

Suggests a detachment from reality in the expectation.

unrealistic forecast

Denotes a prediction that is not grounded in practical considerations.

FAQs

How can "groundless anticipation" be used in a sentence?

You can use "groundless anticipation" to describe expectations or hopes that are not based on any evidence or reality. For example: "Her groundless anticipation of a promotion led to disappointment when the company decided to restructure instead."

What's a good alternative to "groundless anticipation"?

Alternatives include "unfounded expectation", "baseless hope", or "wishful thinking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "groundless anticipation" a formal or informal phrase?

"Groundless anticipation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it might appear more frequently in analytical or critical writing.

What does "groundless" really mean in "groundless anticipation"?

"Groundless" means lacking a valid or factual basis. Therefore, "groundless anticipation" suggests an expectation or hope that is not supported by any real evidence or reason.