hopeful possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hopeful possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an optimistic outlook or potential outcomes in various contexts, such as personal goals, projects, or future events. Example: "Despite the challenges we face, there remains a hopeful possibility that we can achieve our objectives by the end of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It's a hopeful possibility, but a bittersweet one: maybe it's possible to love this band a little less, and a little longer.

The New York Times - Arts

"But they have a critical perspective on violence in society and the hopeful possibility for change".

The New York Times - Arts

But a more hopeful possibility, floated by some Western and Pakistani officials, is that Mr. Saeed would lead his group further into politics, and away from militancy.

The New York Times

"He's been an inspiration and we all want to share in the sense of grateful, hopeful possibility … He was one of those very rare people who've helped us live our lives with generosity".

The Guardian

But there is another, less hopeful possibility: that opponents of change will treat the present recovery as a sign that no further reforms are needed.Within the euro area a debate is in progress over whether the single currency itself encourages or discourages reforms.

The Economist

This was part of the version of the Chris Kluwe story that served as such a hopeful possibility last season — the idea that there was space in professional sports for a player to be an activist for gay rights, and, at the same time, just another guy in the locker room and on the field.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But I do feel that the spirit of the film points towards hopeful possibilities.

The Guardian - Film

A great deal of Khan's power as a politician comes from the hopeful possibilities that he symbolizes.

The New Yorker

By Sam Knight A great deal of Sadiq Khan's power as a politician comes from the hopeful possibilities that he symbolizes.

The New Yorker

The first time you hear "Your case is being processed," your heart, seizing on the hopeful possibilities in those words, skips a beat.

The New York Times

And as they confront this downturn, however haltingly, Democrats and Republicans are facing the likelihood that the hopeful possibilities glimpsed in recent years -- of paying off the national debt, shoring up Social Security, helping the elderly bear the rising costs of prescription medicines -- may have vanished.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hopeful possibility", ensure the context provides some basis for optimism to avoid sounding naive or unrealistic. For example, qualify it with specific evidence or conditions that support the possibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "hopeful possibility" as a guaranteed outcome. Acknowledge the uncertainties and potential challenges that could affect the result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hopeful possibility" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'hopeful' modifies the noun 'possibility', indicating a potential outcome that is desired or anticipated with optimism. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hopeful possibility" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express optimism about a potential outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and avoid overstating certainty. Alternative phrases like ""promising prospect"" or ""optimistic outlook"" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Its frequency is uncommon, predominantly found in news and media sources. When employing "hopeful possibility", ground your optimism in realistic conditions, and avoid presenting it as a guaranteed certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

promising prospect

Emphasizes the potential for a positive future outcome.

optimistic outlook

Highlights a positive view or expectation about the future.

encouraging sign

Suggests a positive indication or signal.

bright side

Focuses on the positive aspects of a situation.

positive potential

Highlights the capacity for a good outcome.

favorable chance

Indicates a good opportunity or likelihood.

auspicious opportunity

Suggests a favorable or promising occasion.

promising scenario

Emphasizes a potential sequence of events with a positive outcome.

realistic expectation

Implies a grounded and achievable positive outcome.

good prospect

Simply conveys a good chance or likelihood.

FAQs

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

You can use "hopeful possibility" to express optimism about a potential outcome, as in "Despite the challenges, there remains a "hopeful possibility" that we can achieve our goals".

What are some alternatives to "hopeful possibility"?

Alternatives include "promising prospect", "optimistic outlook", or "encouraging sign", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "hopeful possibility" a formal or informal expression?

"Hopeful possibility" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal writing might benefit from alternatives like "promising prospect" in some cases.

What's the difference between "hopeful possibility" and "likely outcome"?

"Hopeful possibility" suggests a desired outcome that is not guaranteed, whereas "likely outcome" implies a higher degree of certainty based on current evidence or trends.