high hopes

USAGE SUMMARY

"high hopes" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express having great expectations about a certain situation, person, or thing. For example: "I have high hopes for the future of our company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

High energy!" "High hopes!

The New Yorker

I have high hopes.

The New Yorker

I had high hopes.

The Economist

"We have high hopes".

The New York Times - Sports

The FMLN has high hopes.

The Economist

Fiamma raises such high hopes.

The New Yorker

With high hopes.

The Guardian

High, high hopes.

The Guardian - Sport

High hopes, poor craftsmanship.

The Guardian - Books

I've got high hopes.

The Guardian - Opinion

They had high hopes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "high hopes" to express optimism about future outcomes, but ensure it's supported by realistic considerations. Avoid using it when evidence suggests a low probability of success; consider tempering expectations to maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "high hopes" when the situation warrants caution or skepticism. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound naive or out of touch with reality. Acknowledge potential challenges alongside expressing optimism to show balanced judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "high hopes" primarily functions as a noun phrase expressing anticipation or optimism for a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, showcasing its frequent use across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "high hopes" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey optimism and strong expectations for future outcomes. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions primarily as a noun phrase and is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's essential to use "high hopes" judiciously, ensuring it aligns with the situation's realistic prospects and to avoid overstating expectations. Consider alternatives like "great expectations" or "optimistic outlook" depending on the desired nuance. Remember, while expressing optimism is valuable, grounding it in reality enhances credibility and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

great expectations

Emphasizes the magnitude of anticipated outcomes; focuses on the anticipated outcomes themselves rather than the feeling of optimism.

strong expectations

Highlights the firmness and conviction behind the anticipation, implying a degree of confidence in the outcome.

optimistic outlook

Shifts the focus to a general positive perspective, applicable to broader situations rather than specific expectations.

bullish sentiment

Specifically conveys confidence and positive expectations, especially in financial or economic contexts.

positive anticipation

Stresses the positive feeling associated with expecting something good, highlighting the emotional aspect.

sanguine expectations

Emphasizes a cheerfully optimistic and confident outlook, often regarding something difficult or challenging.

elevated aspirations

Focuses on goals that are set at a high level, implying ambition and a strong desire for achievement.

rosy prospects

Presents a favorable view of the future, suggesting that things are likely to turn out well; often used in business or economic forecasts.

bright future

General term for a promising or successful time ahead

fond hope

Expresses a cherished or deeply desired expectation, suggesting a sentimental or emotional attachment to the anticipated outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "high hopes" in a sentence?

You can use "high hopes" to express optimism or strong expectations about a future event or outcome. For example, "We have "high hopes" for the new project" or "She entered the competition with "high hopes"."

What are some phrases similar to "high hopes"?

Alternatives to "high hopes" include "great expectations", "strong expectations", and "optimistic outlook". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "high hopes" in formal writing?

Yes, "high hopes" is generally appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news and media contexts. However, in more formal academic or scientific writing, consider using alternatives like "strong expectations" or "optimistic outlook" to maintain a more objective tone.

What is the difference between "high hopes" and "wishful thinking"?

"High hopes" implies a degree of optimism based on some level of possibility or potential. "Wishful thinking", on the other hand, suggests a belief in something that is unlikely or unrealistic. "High hopes" often includes some basis in reality, while "wishful thinking" does not.