hope

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "hope" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing feeling or thoughts of wanting something or wanting something to happen. Example sentence: I hope that she arrives soon.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some hope.

The New York Times

This would have suggested that although PRO 2000 was not a complete answer, it might be a useful part of the armoury.The dashing of that hope is a real blow, but there are other approaches to vaginal microbicides.

The Economist

"The British government is working with others in the world to bring peace to Gaza and we do now have a tentative ceasefire which we all hope will hold".

The Guardian

CH: "I hope you are okay, just to let you know I'm thinking of you lots and love you".

The Guardian

Being able to live in a stable home is a basic human need, tied up with important feelings of choice and certainty, and we are living in a world now where only a few can hope for that, which cannot be right".

The Guardian - Business

We hope".

The New York Times

"The president will make his decision, but I hope that happens".

The New York Times

I hope so.

The New York Times

Let's hope so.

The New York Times

I live in hope".

The Guardian

We hope that his fellow executives will now follow suit and announce they will also be giving up their large bonuses as well".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When conveying strong confidence, use "hope" sparingly. Opt for phrases like "I am confident" or "I expect", as they project a greater sense of assurance.

Common error

Avoid using "hope" excessively in formal writing, such as business reports or academic papers. Instead, use more assertive language like "expect", "anticipate", or "predict" to convey greater confidence and authority.

Linguistic Context

The word "hope" functions primarily as a noun denoting a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. It also serves as a verb expressing the act of wanting something to happen and expectantly awaiting it. Ludwig AI confirms this dual functionality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "hope" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, primarily used to express a feeling of expectation and desire for a specific outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in "News & Media". While "hope" is generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more assertive language in formal writing to convey confidence. Related phrases like "have faith" or "look forward to" can offer nuanced alternatives. When using "hope", ensure it reflects a realistic possibility rather than mere wishful thinking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have faith

Emphasizes trust and confidence in a positive outcome, shifting the focus from mere desire to a stronger belief.

look forward to

Highlights anticipation and positive expectation for a future event, changing the tense and focus.

wish for

Focuses on a desire or aspiration, often implying a less certain outcome than "hope".

anticipate

Emphasizes expectation and preparation for something that is likely to happen, differing in certainty.

desire

Stresses a strong feeling of wanting something, without necessarily implying expectation.

yearn for

Conveys a deep longing or craving, adding emotional intensity compared to "hope".

cherish the expectation

Highlights the value and positive feeling associated with anticipating a favorable result, using a more formal tone.

harbor the belief

Emphasizes holding a conviction that something positive will occur, focusing on the internal mindset.

maintain optimism

Focuses on preserving a positive outlook, rather than the specific desire for something.

keep a positive outlook

Stresses maintaining a favorable perspective and attitude, shifting the emphasis from a specific outcome to a general disposition.

FAQs

How can I use "hope" in a sentence?

You can use "hope" to express a desire for something to happen, such as "I hope she arrives soon" or "We hope for a better future".

What can I say instead of "hope"?

Alternatives to "hope" include "wish", "desire", "anticipate", or "expect", depending on the context and level of certainty.

When is it appropriate to use "hope" instead of "wish"?

"Hope" typically implies a greater possibility of the desired outcome occurring, whereas "wish" often refers to something less likely or even impossible. For example, "I hope to get a promotion" suggests a realistic possibility, while "I wish I could fly" is a fantasy.

What is the difference between "hope" and "faith"?

"Hope" is a desire with expectation, while "faith" is a strong belief in something, often without proof. You might "hope" for good weather, but have "faith" in a higher power.