harbor expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

"harbor expectations" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use this phrase to refer to a feeling of hope or anticipation that someone has for the future. For example, "He harbored expectations of becoming a doctor one day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Does he think his readers might harbor expectations of sandalled virgins bearing water jugs?

The New Yorker

In fact, those who harbor expectations of any theatrical conventions at all would do well to abandon them before buying a ticket, lest the deconstructionist vision of the director, Jan Lauwers, drive them to the exits prematurely.

The New York Times

Enjoy her company, but don't harbor expectations.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

During this prayer we avoid analyzing our experience, harboring expectations, or aiming at some specific goal such as: Repeating the sacred word continuously.

WikiHow

Teachers, using "extremely subjective" criteria, may harbor lower expectations for black males, he said.

The New York Times

Whatever the prime minister's real intentions, those around him harbor low expectations of the chances for peace.

The New York Times

Now well bonded with the club's supporters, Pardew recently rejected claims that they harbor unrealistic expectations.

The New York Times

We made the drive to Montreal in a Toyota Venza S.U.V. of a nondescript rental-car color and, frankly, I did not harbor high expectations for car conversation.

The New York Times - Travel

In fact, she said she finds that private-college students often harbor "unrealistic expectations" about their ability to rise quickly in retailing, where they may not have held even summer jobs.

The New York Times

This was my experience with this Italian-Californian-global restaurant, which impressed me with its assiduously responsible service in a neighborhood — Murray Hill — for which I did not harbor high expectations.

The New Yorker

Unaware of the influence that their deepest beliefs -- good or bad -- have on them, they harbor low expectations.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "harbor expectations" to convey a sense of holding onto hopes or anticipations, especially when those expectations may be uncertain or long-term. For instance, "Despite the challenges, she continued to "harbor expectations" of success."

Common error

While "harbor expectations" is grammatically correct, it can sound somewhat melodramatic in very formal or business writing. Consider using more direct alternatives like "anticipate" or "expect" for a cleaner, more professional tone. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly sentimental or less precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harbor expectations" functions as a verb phrase where "harbor" acts as a transitive verb taking "expectations" as its direct object. According to Ludwig AI, it suggests holding or maintaining certain anticipations or hopes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "harbor expectations" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to express holding onto hopes or anticipations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for a range of contexts, although perhaps slightly less common in very formal or business settings. It is most frequently found in news and media, and while less common overall, it effectively conveys the idea of sustaining beliefs about future outcomes, even amidst uncertainty. Related phrases include "hold expectations" and "entertain expectations".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold expectations

This alternative uses "hold" instead of "harbor", slightly changing the imagery but maintaining the core meaning of possessing expectations.

entertain expectations

Using "entertain" suggests a more conscious and deliberate consideration of expectations.

nurture expectations

This phrase implies actively fostering and encouraging expectations to grow.

foster expectations

Similar to "nurture", this suggests actively promoting and developing expectations.

cherish expectations

This alternative emphasizes the value and importance placed on the expectations.

maintain expectations

Focuses on keeping the expectations at a certain level or state.

possess expectations

A more formal way to express having expectations, focusing on ownership.

have a feeling of anticipation

Shifts from expectations to a general sense of looking forward to something.

believe something will happen

Simplifies the phrase to a basic belief in a future outcome.

anticipate a future event

Focuses on the act of predicting or expecting a specific event.

FAQs

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

You can use "harbor expectations" to describe someone holding hopes or anticipations about the future. For example, "Despite the setbacks, he continued to "harbor expectations" for a brighter future."

What are some alternatives to "harbor expectations"?

Alternatives include "hold expectations", "entertain expectations", or "nurture expectations", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "harbor expectations" or simply "have expectations"?

"Harbor expectations" implies a deeper, more persistent holding of those expectations, even in the face of uncertainty or adversity. "Have expectations" is more neutral and general. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean to "harbor" something in the context of "harbor expectations"?

To "harbor" something means to keep or hold something in your mind, often secretly or persistently. In the case of "harbor expectations", it suggests holding onto those expectations even when they may be difficult to achieve or maintain.