optimism about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'optimism about' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express a feeling that something good will happen in the future. For example, "She held an optimism about her future job prospects despite the current economic downturn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some veterans groups expressed cautious optimism about Shulkin.

The Washington Post

Optimism about the job market is high.

The New York Times

This leads to optimism about future behaviour.

The Economist

Describes Gitler's persistent optimism about the team.

The New Yorker

Still, there was optimism about deal-making.

The New York Times

He expressed optimism about addressing global warming.

The New York Times

Optimism about big changes remains tempered, however.

The New York Times

There is definitely more optimism about.

The Guardian - Opinion

And optimism about job prospects increased.

The New York Times

The poll uncovered optimism about social mobility.

The New York Times

Sanders's optimism about politics is not complicated by an optimism about much of anything else.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "optimism about", consider the degree of certainty you wish to convey. 'Cautious optimism' expresses a more tempered expectation, while 'strong optimism' indicates greater confidence.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the level of "optimism about" a situation if the evidence does not fully support it. Overly optimistic statements can erode credibility if they are not grounded in reality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "optimism about" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb. It indicates a positive feeling or expectation concerning a particular subject. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "optimism about" is a prepositional phrase used to convey a positive outlook or hopeful anticipation regarding a specific subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. The phrase is particularly prevalent in news and media, academic writing, and scientific discourse. While generally neutral in tone, it can be tailored to fit various registers. When employing "optimism about", it's essential to clearly define the subject of optimism and to avoid exaggeration for credibility. Alternatives like "positive outlook on" or "confidence in" can provide nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

positive outlook on

Replaces "optimism" with "positive outlook", focusing on a general positive perspective.

hopeful regarding

Substitutes "optimism" with "hopeful", emphasizing a wishful expectation.

upbeat about

Replaces optimism with a more casual "upbeat", conveying a cheerful and positive sentiment.

confidence in

Shifts the focus from a feeling to a belief in the likelihood of success or a favorable outcome.

enthusiastic about

Highlights a strong feeling of excitement and interest, related to optimism.

bullish on

Uses a more informal term, "bullish", to convey strong confidence, often in a business context.

positive anticipation of

Highlights the expectation of a positive event, rather than a general feeling of optimism.

sanguine about

Replaces "optimism" with a more formal "sanguine", emphasizing a cheerfully optimistic outlook.

assured of success in

Emphasizes a strong belief in a successful outcome.

expecting positive results from

Focuses on the expectation of specific positive results.

FAQs

How can I use "optimism about" in a sentence?

You can use "optimism about" to express a positive expectation or hopeful feeling regarding a particular situation or outcome. For example, "Despite the challenges, the team maintained their "optimism about" the project's success".

What are some alternatives to "optimism about"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "positive outlook on", "confidence in", or "hopeful regarding" to convey a similar sentiment.

Is it better to say "optimism about" or "optimism for"?

"Optimism about" is generally preferred when referring to a specific subject or situation. "Optimism for" can be used, but it's less common. The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

How does "cautious optimism about" differ from "strong optimism about"?

"Cautious "optimism about"" implies a tempered expectation and awareness of potential challenges, while "strong "optimism about"" suggests a greater degree of confidence and positive expectation.