in the hopper

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the hopper" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used in the context of ideas or projects that are being considered and refers to the idea that these projects are waiting in anticipation for some kind of decision, evaluation, or action. For example, you might say, "We have several new proposals in the hopper that need to be assessed before we can move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A new name in the hopper?

The New York Times

Other Washington shows are in the hopper.

The New York Times

I have nothing in the hopper".

The New York Times

Other more exotic options are also in the hopper.

The Economist

He says he has about 26 pairs in the hopper.

The New York Times

"There are thousands and thousands of bills dropped in the hopper," Mr. Murphy said.

The New York Times

But this year, ground was broken for a trophy house in the Hopper Landscape.

The New York Times - Travel

There are 12,000 bills in the hopper, and they all go to committee".

The New York Times

Thousands of bills are introduced in Congress every year, and most lie untouched in the hopper.

The New York Times

"In terms of specifics, obviously there's nothing in the hopper right now".

The New York Times

"We have four parcels in the hopper right now," said William Lindsay, a Democrat from Islip.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the hopper" when you want to convey that something is in a preliminary stage, awaiting further action or consideration. It's best suited for contexts where ideas or proposals are being collected or compiled.

Common error

Avoid using "in the hopper" to describe items that are already actively being implemented or finalized. This phrase implies a waiting period, not an active one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the hopper" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying nouns or verbs to indicate the state of being considered or prepared. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the hopper" is a widely used prepositional phrase indicating that something is in a preliminary stage, under consideration, or awaiting further action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its usage spans across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal settings, though it leans toward a neutral register. While highly versatile, remember to avoid using it for items already actively being implemented. Alternatives such as "under consideration" or "in the pipeline" may be more appropriate in formal contexts. Keep in mind that "in the hopper" is best used when referring to ideas, projects, or applications that are awaiting consideration or processing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under consideration

Emphasizes the evaluation or deliberation stage of a project or idea.

in development

Highlights the ongoing process of creating or improving something.

in the pipeline

Indicates a sequence of events or projects moving towards completion.

in progress

Focuses on the active state of being worked on.

in the works

Suggests that something is being planned or created.

being prepared

Stresses the preparatory actions being taken.

on the agenda

Indicates something is scheduled to be addressed.

up for consideration

Highlights the availability of something to be reviewed or evaluated.

being processed

Focuses on the systematic handling or treatment of something.

in contention

Implies that something is competing for selection or approval.

FAQs

How can I use "in the hopper" in a sentence?

You can use "in the hopper" to describe ideas, projects, or applications that are awaiting consideration or processing. For example, "We have several promising proposals "in the hopper" for next quarter's budget."

What does "in the hopper" mean?

"In the hopper" means something is in a preliminary stage, under consideration, or waiting to be processed. It implies that the item is in a queue or collection awaiting further action.

What's a good alternative to "in the hopper"?

Alternatives to "in the hopper" include "under consideration", "in the pipeline", or "being prepared", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "in the hopper" in formal writing?

While "in the hopper" is widely understood, it might be more appropriate to use a more formal alternative like "under consideration" in highly formal or academic contexts. Consider your audience and the tone of your writing.