realistic expectation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "realistic expectation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing what is reasonable to anticipate in a given situation or context. Example: "When planning the project timeline, it's important to set a realistic expectation for the completion date to avoid disappointment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Wise planning starts with a realistic expectation of life expectancy using life expectancy tables, as well as considering personal and family health history.

Huffington Post

"That's a realistic expectation".

The New York Times - Sports

But that's the realistic expectation.

The New York Times

Certainly, further growth is a realistic expectation.

The New York Times - Sports

With this defense, 6-6 is a more realistic expectation.

The New York Times

Could someone writing a novel today have a realistic expectation of a million readers?

The Guardian - Tech

You have to strike the right balance between ambition and realistic expectation.

The Guardian - Sport

As a pediatric urologist, it's not a realistic expectation for 3-year-olds".

The New York Times

I am sceptical about the realistic expectation of change through a song.

The Guardian - Music

"The most realistic expectation," Mr. Gates said, "is that there is a heavy fighting season ahead".

The New York Times

"Tokyo is probably a more realistic expectation but it would be great to go this year.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In project planning, define the "realistic expectation" of timelines and deliverables based on available resources and past performance to manage stakeholders effectively.

Common error

Avoid overestimating outcomes; grounding your predictions in evidence ensures your "realistic expectation" aligns with potential realities, preventing disappointment and misallocation of resources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "realistic expectation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "realistic" modifies the noun "expectation". Ludwig AI examples show it expressing a belief about what is likely to happen or be achieved. It indicates a level of anticipation that aligns with what is considered achievable or likely, given the circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "realistic expectation" is a commonly used phrase that is grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase and serves to set achievable goals and manage outcomes in professional, scientific, and news contexts. The phrase is most often found in news and media sources, but is also prevalent in scientific and business domains. When using this phrase, be sure to avoid over-optimism and base your expectations on solid evidence. Consider alternatives like "reasonable prospect" or "feasible anticipation" to vary your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonable prospect

Highlights the justifiability and likelihood of a future event.

feasible anticipation

Highlights the possibility and viability of the expectation.

achievable anticipation

Emphasizes the attainability of what is being looked forward to.

sensible prediction

Stresses the rationality and soundness of the forecast.

credible forecast

Stresses the believability and trustworthiness of the future outlook.

practical outlook

Focuses on a sensible and pragmatic view of the future.

grounded anticipation

Indicates that the anticipation is based on reality and not fantasy.

pragmatic assessment

Highlights a practical and logical evaluation of what to expect.

well-founded hope

Suggests that the hope is based on solid evidence or reason.

attainable goal

Shifts focus to the goal being something that can be realistically achieved.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "realistic expectation" into my project proposal?

Clearly outline achievable goals and timelines based on available resources and historical data. Setting a "achievable goal" demonstrates sound planning and increases credibility.

What's the difference between "optimistic expectation" and "realistic expectation"?

"Optimistic expectation" implies a hopeful outlook, whereas "realistic expectation" is based on facts and evidence. Choose the latter when accuracy and reliability are paramount.

How to adjust "realistic expectation" when circumstances change?

Regularly reassess the situation and be prepared to modify your expectations based on new information. Flexibility and adaptability are key to maintaining a "practical outlook".

What are some synonyms for "realistic expectation"?

You can use alternatives such as "reasonable prospect", "pragmatic assessment", or "feasible anticipation" depending on the context.