lingering hope

USAGE SUMMARY

'lingering hope" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a sense of hope that is not easily forgotten, or that persists despite difficult or discouraging circumstances. For example, "Despite the financial setbacks, there was a lingering hope that the business would turn a profit eventually."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Some may argue that an investigation would threaten any lingering hope of dialogue.

The New York Times

How, then, to explain her lingering hope that she would be rescued from it?

The New Yorker

There's always a lingering hope that not all declared lost has vanished for ever.

The Guardian - Opinion

But at the back of it, there's this lingering hope he won't break".

The Guardian - Film

Any lingering hope that the Germans had radioed for help was now fading.

The New Yorker

Now it seems any lingering hope of a last splash for Blub have ended.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

But lingering hopes about Microsoft were also a factor.

The New York Times

This has punctured any lingering hopes that this bear market might prove short-lived.

The Economist

Tuesday's Supreme Court ruling felt like a hammer's final blow to Almansoob's lingering hopes.

The Washington Post

Okay, I admit it, I was lingering, hoping for a celebrity sighting.

The New York Times

Lee Matthews then crushed Luton's lingering hopes of rescuing a point with a third goal nine minutes from time.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "lingering hope" with strong verbs to show how the hope affects actions or decisions. Examples: 'clinging to a lingering hope', 'fueled by a lingering hope'.

Common error

Avoid using "lingering hope" when the situation clearly indicates there is no rational basis for optimism. "Lingering hope" suggests a subtle, perhaps irrational, but still understandable persistence of optimism, not a complete detachment from reality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lingering hope" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "lingering" acts as a modifier describing the quality of the "hope". It's commonly used to depict a sustained yet potentially fragile sense of optimism. Ludwig AI confirms its valid and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lingering hope" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a persistent sense of optimism despite unfavorable conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase conveys a nuanced emotional state and functions as a noun phrase with "lingering" modifying "hope". Consider alternatives such as "remaining hope" or "faint hope" to fine-tune the desired degree of optimism. When using the phrase, ensure that there is some rational basis for optimism and avoid confusing it with "false hope". By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage, writers can effectively incorporate "lingering hope" into their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remaining hope

Focuses on the fact that some hope still exists, though perhaps diminished.

fading hope

Implies that the hope is diminishing or disappearing over time.

diminishing hope

Highlights the reduction in the strength or likelihood of the hope.

faint hope

Suggests that the hope is weak or unlikely to be realized.

slim hope

Indicates that the chance of success or positive outcome is minimal.

continued hope

Highlights the continuation of hope over a period of time.

enduring hope

Focuses on the ability of hope to withstand challenges and persist.

underlying optimism

Shifts the focus to a more general positive outlook that persists despite negative circumstances.

persistent optimism

Emphasizes the enduring nature of the positive outlook.

lingering expectation

Shifts the focus from hope to anticipation, suggesting a belief that something will occur.

FAQs

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

You can use "lingering hope" to describe a feeling of optimism that remains despite negative circumstances. For example, "Despite the company's declining profits, there was a "lingering hope" that a new product line would revive its fortunes."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "lingering hope"?

Similar phrases include "remaining hope", "faint hope", or "slim hope". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of optimism you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a lingering hope" or simply "lingering hope"?

Both forms are grammatically correct. Using "a lingering hope" emphasizes a single instance of hope, while "lingering hope" refers to the general feeling or concept. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

How does "lingering hope" differ from "false hope"?

"Lingering hope" implies a subtle persistence of optimism despite negative circumstances, while "false hope" refers to an unfounded belief that is unlikely to be realized. False hope is misleading and usually leads to disappointment.