preposterous hope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preposterous hope" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unrealistic or absurd expectation or belief in a positive outcome. Example: "Despite the overwhelming odds against us, she held onto her preposterous hope that everything would turn out fine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There was such drive and anticipation here that a listener vainly nourished the preposterous hope that the entire opera would follow.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I drained the dehumidifer in my mildewed hotel room, then thought of OSIRIS-REx tucked dry at the top of its rocket, a tiny vessel for a preposterous number of hopes and anxieties and unanswered questions.

The New Yorker

Long before the story culminates with a preposterous final revelation, whatever hopes you had that "Now You See Me" might have had anything to say about the profession of magic, rampant greed or anything else have been dashed.

The New York Times

"My only hope was a preposterous pre-posthumous award," he said, "and I guess that is what I have won here".

The New York Times

Mr Craig brings off cinema's most preposterous role with insouciant grit: I hope he doesn't quit too soon.

The Guardian - Film

I'm hoping everyone thinks it's so preposterous it couldn't possibly be true, but it is true.

Huffington Post

MINNEAPOLIS — Shortly after slipping a necklace that resembled rosary beads around his neck, Jared Jeffries jokingly offered a preposterous solution to the funk sinking the Knicks' playoff hopes.

The New York Times - Sports

"'Oh Angel, I just hope this cue is good enough.' These are the kinds of preposterous things that John Williams says at his own scoring sessions," Abrams said.

The Guardian - Film

"I represent to myself and I hope to convince you of this radical ideas, innovative ideas, even peculiar ideas, but not loose or preposterous ideas," said McKenna.

Vice

It is to be hoped no other players feel the need to follow suit, and that the whole vaguely preposterous idea of public apologies is quietly dropped.

The Guardian - Sport

Sounds preposterous?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preposterous hope", ensure the context clearly establishes why the hope is considered absurd or unrealistic. Provide specific details or circumstances that make the expectation seem impossible or highly improbable.

Common error

Avoid using "preposterous hope" when the situation involves a difficult but potentially achievable outcome. "Preposterous" implies an extreme level of absurdity or impossibility, not just a low probability of success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preposterous hope" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "preposterous" modifies the noun "hope". It describes a specific quality or characteristic of the hope, namely its absurdity or unlikelihood. Ludwig AI confirms that this construction is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preposterous hope" is a grammatically correct but relatively rare phrase used to describe an absurd or unrealistic expectation. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is usable in written English. Its primary function is to express skepticism or disbelief, and it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. While not incorrect, writers might consider using more common alternatives like "absurd expectation" or "far-fetched hope" depending on the desired nuance and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absurd expectation

Replaces "hope" with "expectation" and "preposterous" with "absurd", emphasizing the unreasonableness of the anticipation.

ridiculous expectation

Similar to "absurd expectation", but uses "ridiculous" to highlight the silliness of the expectation.

unfounded optimism

Focuses on the lack of basis for the positive outlook, using "optimism" instead of "hope".

groundless expectation

Similar to "unfounded optimism", stressing the absence of any factual basis for the expectation.

far-fetched hope

Emphasizes the remoteness or improbability of the hope being fulfilled, using a more common adjective.

foolish aspiration

Emphasizes the lack of wisdom in the desire, replacing "hope" with "aspiration".

vain expectation

Highlights the futility of the anticipation, suggesting it is unlikely to be fulfilled.

implausible anticipation

Stresses the unlikelihood of the expectation being realized, using "anticipation" instead of hope.

delusional belief

Indicates a stronger departure from reality, suggesting the hope is based on a false perception.

wild optimism

Highlights the unrestrained and possibly unrealistic nature of the optimism.

FAQs

What does "preposterous hope" mean?

The phrase "preposterous hope" describes a hope or expectation that is considered utterly absurd, ridiculous, or completely unrealistic. It implies that there is little to no chance of the hoped-for outcome actually happening.

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

You can use "preposterous hope" to describe a situation where someone maintains a belief in something despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. For example: "Despite the company's dire financial situation, the CEO clung to the "preposterous hope" that a miracle investment would save them."

What are some alternatives to saying "preposterous hope"?

Alternatives to "preposterous hope" include "absurd expectation", "ridiculous hope", or "unfounded optimism". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "preposterous hope" a common phrase?

No, "preposterous hope" is not a very common phrase. While grammatically correct and understandable, it is relatively rare compared to other similar expressions. You might consider using a more common alternative like "far-fetched hope" for broader appeal.