humble hope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "humble hope" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a modest or sincere desire for a positive outcome. Example: "In these challenging times, I hold a humble hope that we can find a way to unite and support one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

While there are many different and sometimes competing influences, it is my humble hope that my "coming out" could, in some small way, help those gay Americans who have yet to become open with their sexuality.

The New York Times

The game against Slovakia really diminished any humble hope for our team getting into the knock-out stages and when Wales scored the third goal against us, I changed channels during a football match for the first time.

The Guardian - Sport

My humble hope is to provide a similar opportunity for others.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Other sites have humbler hopes.

The New York Times

Thus the tides of time to turn backward and the heathen to humble, his hope urged him, that with harrying ships they should hunt no more on the shining shores and shallow waters of South Britain, booty seeking".

The Guardian - Books

"We are very humble — we hope to do €5 million in the second year, €10 million in the third year, be very rigorous on budgets — and then we are going to break even," said Mr. Marzotto, who has no plans yet to put Vionnet on the runway.

The New York Times

Jorge Mu? the "rice and chicken man," is a humble man keeping hope alive under the el in Queens.

The New York Times

Even though New York producers are taken with the Louisiana bayou-boy persona and his humble message of hope, it can wear thin.

The New York Times

I am deeply humbled by the hope and trust that Londoners have placed in me.

The Guardian

From such humble beginnings, 3DRobotics hopes its pilotless craft will be used for anything from monitoring crops to lifeguard duties on beaches.

The Economist

In his victory speech Khan said he was "deeply humbled by the hope and trust" voters placed in him, adding: "I want to thank every single Londoner for making the impossible possible".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "humble hope" to express a genuine desire without sounding presumptuous or overly optimistic, particularly when discussing sensitive or complex issues.

Common error

Avoid using "humble hope" excessively in highly formal or technical writing, as it can sometimes be perceived as lacking the necessary assertiveness. Consider more direct expressions of expectation or aspiration in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "humble hope" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "humble" modifies the noun "hope". Ludwig AI indicates that it conveys a modest or sincere desire for a positive outcome.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "humble hope" is a grammatically correct expression used to convey a modest yet sincere desire for a positive outcome. Ludwig AI confirms this, and the examples show its usage in various contexts, primarily in news and media. While not exceptionally frequent, it is a valuable phrase for expressing genuine aspirations without sounding presumptuous. When used in formal or scientific writing, it's essential to consider whether a more direct and assertive expression might be more appropriate. Alternatives like "modest expectation" or "sincere wish" can offer similar nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modest expectation

Replaces "hope" with a more subdued term, implying a lower degree of certainty.

sincere wish

Emphasizes the genuineness of the desire, rather than its scale.

earnest aspiration

Highlights the ambition behind the hope, suggesting a strong desire for achievement.

quiet anticipation

Focuses on the feeling of awaiting a positive outcome, with a sense of calmness.

understated optimism

Conveys a positive outlook, but in a subtle and restrained manner.

reserved hopefulness

Similar to understated optimism, suggesting a cautious and measured approach to hope.

guarded optimism

Implies a hope tempered by awareness of potential difficulties or setbacks.

gentle longing

Shifts the focus to the emotional aspect of hope, emphasizing a tender and heartfelt desire.

subtle anticipation

Emphasizes the delicate and nuanced nature of the expectation.

faint expectation

Indicates a low probability of the hoped-for outcome, but with a lingering sense of possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "humble hope" in a sentence?

You can use "humble hope" to express a modest yet sincere desire for a positive outcome. For example, "It is my "humble hope" that this initiative will bring positive change to the community."

What are some alternatives to "humble hope"?

Alternatives include "modest expectation", "sincere wish", or "earnest aspiration". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "humble hope" formal or informal?

"Humble hope" is generally considered neutral in tone. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts where you want to express a sincere yet modest expectation.

What's the difference between "humble hope" and "strong hope"?

"Humble hope" implies a modest and perhaps less certain expectation, while "strong hope" suggests a more confident and optimistic outlook. The choice depends on the level of certainty and confidence you wish to express.