i should hope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I should hope" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a strong desire or expectation that something will happen or is true. Example: "After all the hard work we've put in, I should hope we win the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"I should hope so.

The New Yorker

I should hope it's pleasing".

The New York Times

"Fuck, I should hope so.

The New Yorker

I should hope not.

The Guardian - Sport

"I should hope not," he said.

The New Yorker

"At least I should hope not".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

I am obviously pretty scared to die but the hardest part is not knowing, wondering, hoping, and wondering if I should even hope at all. . . .

The New Yorker

"I am obviously pretty scared to die but the hardest part is not knowing, wondering, hoping, and wondering if I should even hope at all.

The Guardian

"I am obviously pretty scared to die but the hardest part is not knowing, wondering, hoping, and wondering if I should even hope at all," he wrote in a letter to his parents, last June.

The New Yorker

In the letter, Abdul-Rahman Kassig wrote: "I am obviously pretty scared to die but the hardest part is not knowing, wondering, hoping, and wondering if I should even hope at all.

BBC

I say we should hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "i should hope" to express strong agreement or expectation, be mindful of the tone to avoid sounding sarcastic or condescending.

Common error

Avoid using "i should hope" in situations requiring sincere sympathy or support, as it can come across as dismissive or lacking empathy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i should hope" functions as an interjection or a modal phrase, expressing the speaker's expectation, desire, or mild exasperation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "i should hope" is a versatile modal phrase used to express expectation, desire, or mild exasperation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral tone suitable for diverse settings. When writing, remember to consider the tone to avoid sarcasm or dismissiveness, and be aware of alternative phrases like "i certainly hope" or "i would expect so" to best convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i certainly hope

Replaces "should" with "certainly" to emphasize the speaker's strong desire or expectation.

i would expect so

Emphasizes the expectation of a particular outcome, rather than a mere hope.

i sincerely hope

Substitutes "should" with "sincerely" to express a genuine and earnest wish.

i trust that's the case

Indicates a level of confidence or reliance on a specific situation or fact.

one would hope

Shifts the perspective to a more general expectation, rather than a personal one.

i can only hope

Expresses a sense of limited agency, acknowledging that the outcome is uncertain.

it is to be hoped

Presents a formal expression of hope, often used in more literary or official contexts.

let's hope so

Shortened version, more informal, expressing a shared hope or wish.

i anticipate that

Highlights the anticipation of a certain event, which may or may not be positive.

fingers crossed

An informal expression of hope for a positive outcome, often used in casual conversation.

FAQs

How do you use "i should hope" in a sentence?

The phrase "i should hope" is used to express a strong expectation or desire, often with a hint of surprise or disbelief. Example: "After all this effort, "I should hope" we succeed!"

What can I say instead of "i should hope"?

You can use alternatives like "i certainly hope", "i would expect so", or "one would hope", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "i should hope" formal or informal?

The phrase "i should hope" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for most situations, but in very formal contexts, "it is to be hoped" might be more appropriate.

When is it inappropriate to use "i should hope"?

Avoid using "i should hope" when expressing condolences or in situations that require sensitivity. Its tone can come across as sarcastic or unsympathetic. In such cases, it's better to use more empathetic phrases.