it is naive to expect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is naive to expect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing unrealistic expectations or assumptions about a situation or outcome. Example: "While I appreciate your optimism, it is naive to expect that everything will go perfectly without any challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

I think it is naive to expect investors to deal with the issue on their own.

The Guardian - Opinion

Conservative bankers regularly trot out this anecdote to show that it is naive to expect rapid change in such a traditional business.

The Economist

While WWF concedes it is "naive" to expect the international community to come up with a single formula to share the global carbon budget, it is clear that Australia needs to do far more.

The Guardian

It is naive to expect close parallels: any attempts by lunar or Martian colonists to achieve independence from the mother world are likely to be cultural and economic, rather than military.

The Guardian - Books

But I kept my mouth shut, because it is naive to expect any department of the NHS to be able to access patient records from any other bit of the NHS.

The Guardian

Cynics say it is naive to expect anything dramatic before the 2012 election; yet it is also naive to expect investors to be fobbed off with lame efforts like the debt-ceiling deal.European leaders will face an ever starker choice between a break-up of the euro zone and a closer fiscal union.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In fact it's naive to expect it.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said it was naive to expect that kind of candor in a political campaign.

The New York Times

I know that it's naive to expect politicians to stick to their principles in today's climate.

The Guardian

Abraham said it was "not realistic, frankly it's naive" to expect Channel 4 to hit revenue targets without some sort of bonus incentive.

The Guardian

They'd lived together for two years before their marriage, and agreed it was naive to expect a lifetime of fidelity.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is naive to expect" when you want to gently point out that someone's expectations are unrealistic or based on an overly simplistic view of a situation. It softens the criticism by framing it as a lack of experience or understanding, rather than a fundamental error in judgment.

Common error

Avoid using "it is naive to expect" in situations where a stronger, more direct critique is warranted. Overusing 'naive' can dilute the impact of your message and may come across as condescending or dismissive, especially when intentional deception or negligence is involved. Instead, consider using phrases that directly address the specific flaws in reasoning or behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is naive to expect" functions as a judgmental statement expressing skepticism about the feasibility or likelihood of a particular outcome. As noted by Ludwig, it's a usable phrase for discussing unrealistic expectations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is naive to expect" serves as a phrase used to express skepticism about an unrealistic expectation. As per Ludwig, the phrase is correct and suitable for discussing unrealistic assumptions or outcomes. While not overly formal, it's versatile enough for use across various communication channels, particularly in news, media, and professional contexts. When seeking alternative expressions, consider options like "it is unrealistic to anticipate" or "it is foolish to believe" to achieve similar effects. Be mindful of overusing "naive" in accusatory contexts; instead, opt for more direct critiques when necessary. Despite its limited number of real-world examples found, Ludwig AI confirms the expression's validity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unrealistic to anticipate

Changes the adjective from "naive" to "unrealistic" and the verb from "expect" to "anticipate", emphasizing the impracticality of the expectation.

it is foolish to believe

Replaces "naive to expect" with "foolish to believe", highlighting the lack of wisdom in holding the belief.

it is overly optimistic to assume

Shifts the focus to the excessive optimism underlying the assumption, rather than naivety.

it is idealistic to think

Emphasizes the impracticality due to being too idealistic.

it is short-sighted to imagine

Highlights the lack of foresight in imagining a particular outcome.

it is imprudent to rely on

Focuses on the lack of caution or wisdom in depending on something.

it is misguided to presume

Suggests that the presumption is based on faulty reasoning or information.

it is a delusion to hope

Emphasizes the falseness and unreality of the hope.

it is wishful thinking to project

Highlights the influence of desire rather than reality in the projection.

it is fanciful to suppose

Indicates that the supposition is based on imagination rather than evidence.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is naive to expect" to sound more assertive?

For a more direct tone, try phrases like "it is unrealistic to anticipate", "it is foolish to believe", or "it is overly optimistic to assume". These alternatives remove the implication of inexperience and directly address the flawed reasoning.

When is it appropriate to use "it is naive to expect"?

Use "it is naive to expect" when you want to gently correct an unrealistic expectation, implying a lack of experience or understanding rather than intentional error. It's suitable when addressing someone who might benefit from a more informed perspective.

What is a more formal alternative to "it is naive to expect"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "it is unrealistic to anticipate", "it is imprudent to rely on", or "it is misguided to presume". These phrases maintain a professional tone while conveying the impracticality of the expectation.

Is "it is naive to expect" always a negative statement?

Yes, "it is naive to expect" typically carries a negative connotation, as it implies that the expectation is unrealistic or based on a flawed understanding of the situation. However, the tone can be softened depending on the context and the intent of the speaker.