may be hoped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be hoped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or expectation for a certain outcome or situation. Example: "It may be hoped that the new policy will lead to improved working conditions for all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Better weather conditions, it may be hoped, might have made "Uneka" and "Arnasa" more theatrically effective.

The New York Times - Arts

This cannot be true in all cases; and it may be hoped that it is true in none.

Britannica

It may be hoped that Jacoby's book does as much for Ingersoll as Ingersoll did for Paine.

The New York Times - Books

But the fugue, in all its antique, sublime intricacy, reminds us of what was once imagined, and what, someday, may be hoped for again.

The New York Times - Arts

It may be hoped that his successors, although resorting to his methods, will not be able to frighten people the same way.

The Economist

The discussion has aroused much interest, and it may be hoped that the committee which has been appointed to consider the question will make some practical proposal to which effect can be given by one of the existing schools or a school still to be established.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

You may be hoping for Liza Minnelli.

The Guardian - Film

The bank may be hoping for the same.

The New York Times

M&S may be hoping for a similar effect.

The Guardian - Business

As for trade targets, the Mets may be hoping — dreaming?

The New York Times - Sports

He may be hoping that the oil price will recover.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be hoped" to express a cautious or polite expectation, particularly in formal writing or when the outcome is uncertain. For instance, "It "may be hoped" that the new regulations will improve safety standards."

Common error

Avoid using "may be hoped" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I hope" or "hopefully" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be hoped" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express a degree of expectation, desire, or possibility regarding a future outcome. According to Ludwig, it is a valid and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Academia

6%

Unknown/unmatched sources

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be hoped" is a modal verb phrase used to express a cautious or polite expectation. Ludwig confirms it is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While grammatically sound, it's best reserved for formal writing, as overuse in casual conversation can sound unnatural. Consider alternatives like "it is hoped that" or "it is expected" depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is to be hoped

Rephrases using a passive construction to convey a sense of anticipation.

it is hoped that

A slightly more direct way to express the same sentiment.

one can hope

Shifts the focus to the possibility of hoping for something.

it is expected

Focuses on the expectation rather than the hope itself.

it is anticipated

Similar to 'expected' but often implies a more formal or official context.

it is desirable

Emphasizes the desirability of the outcome.

we can only hope

Highlights the limited agency in the situation.

one might expect

Introduces a degree of uncertainty or speculation.

it is presumable

Suggests something is likely based on current evidence.

it is reasonable to assume

Indicates a logical conclusion based on available information.

FAQs

How can I use "may be hoped" in a sentence?

The phrase "may be hoped" is typically used to express a cautious expectation or desire for a particular outcome. For example, "It "may be hoped" that the negotiations will lead to a peaceful resolution."

What are some alternatives to "may be hoped"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it is hoped that", "it is expected", or "one can hope" to express similar sentiments.

Is "may be hoped" considered formal language?

Yes, "may be hoped" leans towards formal language. In less formal contexts, using "I hope" or "hopefully" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "may be hoped" and "is hoped"?

"May be hoped" suggests a degree of uncertainty or politeness regarding the expectation. "Is hoped" is more direct and implies a stronger sense of expectation. For example, "It "is hoped" that the project will be completed on time" conveys a stronger belief in its completion compared to "It "may be hoped" that the project will be completed on time."