modest hopes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest hopes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a sense of realistic or low expectations regarding a situation or outcome. Example: "Despite the challenges ahead, I hold modest hopes for a successful resolution to the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 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

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

The New Yorker

Some voters expressed modest hopes for improvements in states where the governors have attacked the opposition and persecuted the press.

The Guardian

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

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Modest hope".

The Guardian

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

And time has vindicated him way beyond his own modest hope.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Oz holds out only modest hope that the government might surprise him.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modest hopes" to convey a realistic assessment of a situation, acknowledging potential limitations or challenges. It sets a tone of pragmatism.

Common error

Avoid using "modest hopes" when the situation warrants genuine optimism or high expectations. Misusing it can undermine confidence or seem disingenuous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest hopes" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "modest" is an adjective modifying the noun "hopes". It is often used as the object of a verb (e.g., "to hold modest hopes") or as part of a prepositional phrase. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest hopes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys tempered expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and appropriate for a range of writing contexts. The phrase is particularly common in news and media, where objectivity and balanced perspectives are valued. While the phrase does not carry the weight of overly optimistic phrases, it expresses realistic assessments of events, prospects or situations. Alternatives include "realistic expectations", "limited expectations" and "humble aspirations", providing writers with options to express similar sentiments with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

low expectations

Directly states that the anticipated outcome is not very promising.

moderate expectations

Indicates a balanced and reasonable level of anticipation.

limited expectations

Highlights the constrained or reduced nature of the anticipations.

small hopes

Emphasizes the reduced scale or significance of the aspirations.

realistic expectations

Focuses on the practicality and feasibility of what is anticipated.

reasonable expectations

Suggests that the anticipations are grounded in logic and possibility.

humble aspirations

Emphasizes the simplicity and lack of pretension in the goals.

understated expectations

Highlights the subtle and downplayed nature of the anticipations.

subdued optimism

Suggests a restrained and tempered positive outlook.

guarded anticipation

Implies a cautious and reserved sense of expectation.

FAQs

What does "modest hopes" mean?

The phrase "modest hopes" refers to having realistic and tempered expectations for a particular situation or outcome. It suggests that while there is some optimism, it is not overly enthusiastic or ambitious.

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

You can use "modest hopes" to describe expectations that are not overly optimistic. For example: "Despite the challenges, we hold "modest hopes" for the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "modest hopes"?

You can use alternatives like "realistic expectations", "limited expectations", or "humble aspirations" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "modest hopes"?

It's appropriate to use "modest hopes" when you want to convey a sense of cautious optimism or acknowledge potential limitations while still expressing some level of anticipation.