hopefully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hopefully" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a desire or expectation that something will happen in a positive way. Example: "Hopefully, we will finish the project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I will continue that, and cast the net wider; hopefully I will bring a fresh energy and build on what Nick has done".

The Guardian

The elder Perosi said he will keep working, but "a lot less, and do some investing for the future of my nieces and nephews and my grandchildren, hopefully".

The Guardian

For us, this has always been – and hopefully will always be – about the music, and that is what we will be getting back to now.

The Guardian - Music

Also there are other treatments with regards to fertility, so hopefully it won't be a massive problem".

The Guardian

"Talk is cheap, but hopefully things can start to move on and include inclusion".

The Guardian - Sport

Hopefully we can get plenty of people watching.

The Guardian - Sport

We're just looking forward to the next bit, we're concentrating on South Africa but then hopefully on to bigger things.

The Guardian - Sport

Hopefully, your experience with MySpace has taught you a lesson.

The Guardian - Opinion

And then possibly long after that, too, although hopefully most of us will have succumbed to the warm tendrils of death by then.

The Guardian

But the opening of a school in rural Laikipia in the central highlands will hopefully break that vicious cycle for 300 children, their teachers and the wider community.

The Guardian

It should hopefully become very popular and change the nation of kids that we are developing - enjoying being inside on their computers rather than outside, enjoying the wider world.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hopefully" to express a desired outcome or expectation, adding a touch of optimism to your statement. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Common error

Avoid using "hopefully" to modify the subject of a sentence directly. For example, instead of "Hopefully, I will arrive on time", which some consider grammatically incorrect, rephrase it as "I hope that I will arrive on time" or "It is hoped that I will arrive on time".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hopefully" is that of a sentence adverb. It modifies the entire sentence, expressing a sense of hope or expectation regarding the statement. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of "hopefully" in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverb "hopefully" is a very common and grammatically correct way to express a sense of hope or expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a sentence adverb, modifying the entire statement. While some may consider it less formal to begin a sentence with "hopefully", its use is widespread and acceptable in various contexts, including news, sports, and lifestyle writing. Alternatives like "I hope that" or "it is hoped that" offer more formal options, depending on the desired tone. Remember to use "hopefully" to express an optimistic outlook, softening statements, and convey a positive expectation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is hoped that

Emphasizes the hope as a general sentiment rather than a personal feeling.

I hope that

Personalizes the expression of hope, making it a direct statement of the speaker's desire.

it is to be hoped that

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing hope.

with the expectation that

Focuses on the anticipation of a certain outcome, adding a layer of confidence.

if all goes well

Indicates a conditional hope, dependent on favorable circumstances.

fingers crossed

An informal expression of hope for good luck.

God willing

Expresses hope contingent on divine intervention.

with any luck

Relies on chance or fortune for the desired outcome.

dীয়on the assumption that

Suggests a degree of confidence in the expected outcome.

it is my expectation

This phrase frames it as the user's personal expectation, making it a direct statement of what is anticipated.

FAQs

How can I use "hopefully" in a sentence?

"Hopefully" is typically used as a sentence adverb to express that something is hoped for or expected. For example, "Hopefully, the weather will be sunny tomorrow".

What can I say instead of "hopefully"?

You can use alternatives like "I hope that", "it is hoped that", or "with luck" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "hopefully"?

While starting a sentence with "hopefully" is common, some consider it less formal. Grammatically, it's acceptable as a sentence adverb, but if you prefer a more formal tone, you could use "it is hoped that" instead.

What's the difference between "hopefully" and "I hope"?

"Hopefully" functions as an adverb modifying the entire sentence, while "I hope" is a verb phrase where the speaker is directly expressing their hope. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and level of formality.