modest hope

USAGE SUMMARY

'modest hope' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when referring to a hope that is not overly optimistic, or when expressing optimism with a moderate level of expectation. For example, "Despite the long odds, the candidate's campaign maintained a modest hope of success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Modest hope".

The Guardian

How can we create a politics of modest hope?

University of Pennsylvania

As her own prospects weakened, dreams of romance paled into the modest hope for respectability.

The New Yorker

Mr. Bloomberg expressed modest hope that the new unit would make a difference.

The New York Times

I harbour a modest hope that, periodically at least, he will agree with himself.

The Guardian

I harbour a modest hope that, periodically at least, Malcolm Turnbull will agree with himself.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

And it retains modest hopes of energy cooperation.

The New York Times

Selling his work has been difficult, he said, but he has modest hopes for the exhibit.

The New York Times

Ms. Williams's Alma is a good wife and, like Ennis, a person of modest hopes.

The New York Times

C5 EDITORIAL A16-17 Editorials: Modest hopes for 2003; the exercise of American power; assessing Mayor Bloomberg.

The New York Times

The publisher, Funk & Wagnalls, had only modest hopes for "Etiquette," and put in an initial order for five thousand copies.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modest hope" when you want to express optimism without overstating the likelihood of a positive outcome. It is particularly suitable when discussing uncertain situations or projects with potential setbacks.

Common error

Avoid using "modest hope" when the situation clearly warrants a stronger expression of optimism. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios where the outcome is uncertain, and a balanced perspective is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest hope" functions as a noun phrase, where "modest" is an adjective modifying the noun "hope". It expresses a qualified or limited degree of optimism. Examples from Ludwig show it used in news, books and sports contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Books

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Sports

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest hope" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that conveys a sense of optimism tempered with realism. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It functions as a noun phrase, often appearing in News & Media, Books, and Academic sources. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's best used when acknowledging uncertainty and avoiding overstatement. Alternatives include "faint hope" and "guarded optimism". Remember to reserve it for situations needing a balanced perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faint hope

Emphasizes the smallness and uncertainty of the hope.

slim hope

Highlights the low probability of the hope being realized.

limited expectation

Focuses on the constrained nature of the anticipation.

guarded optimism

Suggests a cautious and restrained positive outlook.

subdued anticipation

Conveys a restrained sense of excitement or expectation.

small expectation

Directly states the low level of anticipation.

reasonable hope

Implies the hope is grounded in realistic assessment.

mild optimism

Emphasizes the moderate intensity of the positive sentiment.

low-key optimism

Highlights the understated nature of the positive outlook.

restrained expectation

Focuses on the controlled expression of anticipation.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest hope" to express a restrained positive outlook, such as: "Despite the challenges, we maintain a "modest hope" for success."

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

Alternatives include "faint hope", "slim hope", or "guarded optimism".

When is it appropriate to use "modest hope"?

It's appropriate when acknowledging uncertainty while still maintaining a positive outlook. It suggests a realistic assessment of the situation.

Is "modest hope" formal or informal?

The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, providing a balanced and nuanced expression of optimism.