heightening expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heightening expectations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of increasing or intensifying what people anticipate or hope for in a particular situation. Example: "The marketing campaign is focused on heightening expectations for the upcoming product launch, ensuring that consumers are eager to buy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

BlackBerry had warned last week that the results would be bad, heightening expectations that it would put less focus on handsets.

The New York Times - Tech

This can create a self-bullying mentality which can make students feel dissatisfied with their own achievements and experiences while also heightening expectations of others.

The Guardian

The five living founders of the Higgs theory have been invited to a news conference there, heightening expectations that something big is in the offing.

The New York Times - Science

Delta delayed the filing last week amid negotiations with a credit card processing company, heightening expectations that it could seek bankruptcy protection soon.

The New York Times

Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Geneva Saturday for his second visit in two weeks, again heightening expectations that negotiators are close to agreement on a pact to suspend Iran's nuclear program for six months.

The New York Times

Canada added 30,500 jobs in May, capping the busiest five months of hiring since 1994 and heightening expectations that the central bank will raise interest rates to restrain inflation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

HC Securities senior client adviser Mark Lennox said better than expected US jobs figures on Friday had heightened expectations of a rise in US interest rates.

The Guardian - Business

Success, however, heightens expectations.

The New York Times

Heightened expectations also cause friction.

The New York Times

The deal heightened expectations of more tech mergers to come.

The Guardian - Tech

As with any burst of success, heightened expectations and new pressures inevitably emerge.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "heightening expectations" with a clear indication of what is causing the increased anticipation, to provide context for the reader.

Common error

While "heightening expectations" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider using alternatives like "getting people excited" or "making them look forward to it" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heightening expectations" functions as a verb phrase, often acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of increasing or intensifying anticipation or anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "heightening expectations" is a grammatically correct and relatively common verb phrase used to describe the act of increasing anticipation or anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It's most frequently found in news and media and business contexts. While suitable for neutral and formal registers, it may sound out of place in informal settings. Consider alternatives like "raising hopes" or "boosting anticipation" for similar meanings, and avoid overusing the phrase in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amplifying expectations

Similar to "heightening", but suggests a greater degree of amplification.

increasing anticipation

A more general term for making anticipation greater.

raising hopes

Focuses more on the positive aspect of anticipation, suggesting an increase in optimism.

boosting anticipation

Emphasizes the act of actively promoting or encouraging anticipation.

fostering anticipation

Implies nurturing or promoting anticipation over time.

intensifying eagerness

Highlights the emotional aspect of growing anticipation.

escalating excitement

Stresses the growing level of enthusiasm.

building suspense

Focuses on creating a state of uncertainty and anticipation.

whetting appetites

Suggests a stimulation of desire or eagerness, especially for something specific.

inflating prospects

Indicates an increase in the perceived likelihood of a positive outcome.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "heightening expectations" in a sentence?

Use "heightening expectations" to describe a situation where anticipation or anticipation is actively being increased. For example: "The marketing campaign is aimed at "heightening expectations" for the new product launch."

Are there any synonyms for "heightening expectations" that I can use?

Yes, you can use phrases such as "raising hopes", "boosting anticipation", or "increasing anticipation" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "heightening expectations" considered formal or informal language?

"Heightening expectations" leans towards the formal side but is acceptable in neutral contexts like news reporting. In very informal contexts, consider alternatives like "building buzz" or "getting people hyped".

What's the difference between "heightening expectations" and "meeting expectations"?

"Heightening expectations" refers to increasing anticipation or anticipation, while "meeting expectations" means fulfilling what was anticipated. They are opposite in meaning; one builds anticipation, and the other satisfies it.