limited expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "limited expectations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where one does not anticipate much or has a low level of hope regarding an outcome. Example: "Given the challenges we faced, I approached the project with limited expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised by the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

However, the Dutch presidency has also done little to advance this matter, limiting itself to the already known and limited expectations as to the outcome of the IGC and the intentions which we have definitely noted but which to us appear to be excessively vague.

EU Parlament

Providence entered the season with limited expectations.

The New York Times - Sports

In fact, rarely have the two nations' leaders so surpassed the limited expectations of their meeting.

The New York Times

"It's just a token of our limited expectations for the evening ahead".

The New Yorker

But as a teenager he was a lonely Irish exile in south London, with limited expectations.

The Guardian - Film

Instead of a land of opportunity, the U.S. is increasingly becoming a place of limited expectations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

It was a marked contrast to hospitals in Norway, where medical resources would be thrown at patients with limited expectation of survival.

The Guardian

Iran may be attending the Syrian peace talks in Vienna on 25 January, but there is limited expectation that the negotiations will succeed.

Independent

This could represent selection bias; for example, unstable fractures in the lower limbs may pose such a significant problem for patients and caregivers that surgical stabilization may be appropriate even when patients have a limited expectation of survival.

Acta Orthopaedica

The TCPS2 devotes minimal attention to research in virtual settings, equating these spaces with observational studies conducted in natural settings "where people have a reasonable or limited expectation of privacy" [ 28].

BMC Medical Research Methodology

In light of the limited resources, expectations of model performance should be reviewed, and a more robust approach to model uncertainty estimation adopted.

Journal of Hydrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "limited expectations" to accurately reflect situations where anticipation of success or positive outcomes is consciously restrained due to past experiences or known constraints.

Common error

Avoid using "limited expectations" when describing scenarios where high achievement is desired or likely. In such cases, phrases like "high aspirations" or "ambitious goals" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "limited expectations" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "limited" modifies the noun "expectations". As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It describes a state of having low or restrained anticipations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "limited expectations" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes a state of having low or restrained anticipations. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. The phrase serves to convey a lack of optimism, caution, or a realistic assessment of potential outcomes, with alternatives like "low expectations" and "modest expectations" offering similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

low expectations

Replaces "limited" with "low", emphasizing the minimal level of anticipation.

modest expectations

Substitutes "limited" with "modest", suggesting a moderate or humble level of anticipation.

small expectations

Replaces "limited" with "small", indicating a reduced scope or amount of anticipation.

minimal anticipation

Rephrases the concept to focus on the reduced level of anticipation itself.

restrained hopes

Shifts the focus to "hopes" rather than general expectations, implying controlled or suppressed optimism.

guarded optimism

Highlights the cautious nature of the optimism, suggesting awareness of potential negative outcomes.

tempered anticipation

Indicates that anticipation is moderated or restrained by some factor.

subdued outlook

Shifts focus to the overall perspective or view, which is less enthusiastic or hopeful.

pessimistic outlook

Expresses a negative or unfavorable perspective, anticipating undesirable outcomes.

narrow focus

Moves away from expectations to suggest focusing only on a small number of likely scenarios.

FAQs

What does "limited expectations" mean?

The phrase "limited expectations" means having a low level of hope or anticipation for a particular outcome. It suggests that one does not expect much success or positive results.

What can I say instead of "limited expectations"?

You can use alternatives like "low expectations", "modest expectations", or "small expectations", depending on the context.

How do I use "limited expectations" in a sentence?

You can use "limited expectations" to describe a situation where you don't anticipate a positive outcome. For example: "Given the team's performance this season, I have "limited expectations" for the playoffs."

Is it better to have "limited expectations" or high expectations?

Whether it is better to have "limited expectations" or high expectations depends on the situation. Having "limited expectations" can help avoid disappointment, while high expectations can motivate greater effort and achievement.