hopeful expectation

USAGE SUMMARY

'hopeful expectation' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase to describe a feeling of optimism that something good will happen. For example, "The family was filled with a hopeful expectation that their dreams would come true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Its messy suspension casts that hopeful expectation in doubt.

The Economist

It has turned her brain"); Emily Dickinson (who "made even fear feel rich and full and active"); and Dickens's Mr. Micawber (whose hopeful expectation makes him Annie's role model).

The New York Times - Books

A FAINT flurry of diplomacy, a lull in the suicide bombings and a slight let-up in the military blockades have produced a glint of hopeful expectation after months of gloom and ominous escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Economist

Nonetheless, we cannot entirely ignore the fact that the hopeful expectation in recent years of an amicable American-Chinese relationship has lately been tested by ever more antagonistic polemics, especially in the mass media of both sides.

The New York Times

When asked what kind of impact this new policy might have on arrests, the commissioner was noncommittal: "Our anticipation is that it will result in the need for fewer arrests that's a hopeful expectation".

Vice

Known to be an optimist in matters of race, D.T. lived in hopeful expectation, but even today, it's stunning to think that the life of this one-time slave overlapped with that of his great-granddaughter, Marian, who now resides in the White House.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Fraudsters prey upon our hopeful expectations.

The Guardian

The belle époque represented the high tide of hopeful expectations.

The Guardian

Unlike women whose fathers were absent, remote or abusive, these women tend to view men with realistic yet hopeful expectations, experts say.

The New York Times - Style

However, there were also hopeful expectations.

Huffington Post

But the discourse about colleges and universities today is undermining these hopeful expectations.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hopeful expectation" when you want to express a sense of optimism and anticipation regarding a specific event or outcome. Ensure the context clearly indicates what the expectation pertains to.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "hopeful expectation" might sound somewhat redundant or less impactful in formal writing. Consider stronger alternatives like "optimistic anticipation" or "bright prospects" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hopeful expectation" functions as a noun phrase, where "hopeful" modifies "expectation". It describes a state of anticipating a positive outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hopeful expectation" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for expressing optimism about a future event. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, with examples showing its use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While not exceedingly common, it effectively communicates a blend of hope and anticipation. For more formal settings, consider stronger alternatives like "optimistic anticipation". Remember to ensure the context clearly indicates what the expectation pertains to for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

optimistic anticipation

Replaces "hopeful" with "optimistic", emphasizing a general positive outlook rather than a specific expectation.

eager anticipation

Replaces "hopeful" with "eager", highlighting excitement and enthusiasm.

confident anticipation

Highlights certainty and assurance in the expectation.

favorable anticipation

Replaces "hopeful" for a more formal expression, implying a positive sentiment regarding a future event.

positive outlook

Shifts the focus from a specific expectation to a general positive perspective.

sanguine outlook

Replaces both words for a sophisticated and more formal expression of optimism.

promising outlook

Similar to "bright prospects", but with a slightly broader scope.

bright prospects

Emphasizes potential positive outcomes rather than the feeling of expectation.

rosy expectations

Suggests expectations are overly optimistic and possibly unrealistic.

wishful thinking

Implies a less realistic or grounded expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "hopeful expectation" in a sentence?

You can use "hopeful expectation" to describe a feeling of optimism that something good will happen. For example, "The team approached the final game with a "hopeful expectation" of victory".

What are some alternatives to "hopeful expectation"?

Some alternatives to "hopeful expectation" include "optimistic anticipation", "positive outlook", and "eager anticipation". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "hopeful expectation" formal or informal?

"Hopeful expectation" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "sanguine outlook" for a more sophisticated effect.

What's the difference between "hopeful expectation" and "wishful thinking"?

"Hopeful expectation" implies a reasonable basis for optimism, while "wishful thinking" suggests a less realistic or more fanciful hope.