reasonable expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonable expectations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing what is fair or realistic to anticipate in a given situation. Example: "In a professional setting, employees should have reasonable expectations regarding their workload and deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Nadelstern said that college counselors were still expected to meet with students and to help them set reasonable expectations.

The New York Times

Like Mitchell, Logan arrived with reasonable expectations.

The New York Times - Sports

But Newton has surpassed any reasonable expectations.

The New York Times - Sports

However, job seekers must have reasonable expectations of their contacts.

The New York Times

But with more reasonable expectations should come some new optimism.

The New York Times

This has helped, she thinks, with reasonable expectations.

Independent

I believe many members have more reasonable expectations now".

The New York Times

It will not be weed-free, which is where the reasonable expectations come in.

The New York Times

I would try to have high expectations of employees, but reasonable expectations.

The New York Times

She realized, she said, that she wants to be a manager with reasonable expectations.

The New Yorker

We have persecuted dissenters, interned the innocent, suspended habeas corpus, invaded reasonable expectations of privacy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting goals, ensure you establish "reasonable expectations" to avoid disappointment and maintain motivation. Unrealistic goals often lead to discouragement.

Common error

Avoid conflating hopes with "reasonable expectations". Base your anticipations on evidence and past performance, not wishful thinking, to ensure a grounded perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable expectations" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'reasonable' modifies the noun 'expectations'. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It often acts as the object of verbs like 'have', 'set', or 'exceed'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasonable expectations" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe anticipations that are fair and realistic. According to Ludwig AI, it's widely employed across various contexts, including news, science, and business. To use it effectively, ensure that your expectations are grounded in evidence and avoid overly optimistic assumptions. By setting and managing "reasonable expectations", you can enhance communication and promote realistic goal-setting in both personal and professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sensible expectations

Replaces "reasonable" with "sensible", suggesting expectations are practical and well-judged.

realistic expectations

Emphasizes that expectations should align with what is achievable or likely to happen.

rational expectations

Highlights that expectations are consistent with reason or logic.

justifiable expectations

Replaces "reasonable" with "justifiable", implying that the expectations are well-founded and can be defended.

appropriate expectations

Highlights that expectations are suitable and fitting for the specific context.

logical expectations

Highlights that expectations are based on sound reasoning and coherent thinking.

practical expectations

Focuses on expectations that are feasible and can be put into practice.

fair expectations

Suggests expectations are equitable and unbiased.

achievable expectations

Emphasizes that expectations are attainable and within reach.

workable expectations

Implies that expectations are capable of being implemented effectively.

FAQs

How can I use "reasonable expectations" in a sentence?

You can use "reasonable expectations" to describe anticipations that are fair and realistic. For example, "It's important to have "realistic expectations" when starting a new job".

What are some alternatives to saying "reasonable expectations"?

Alternatives include "sensible expectations", "justifiable expectations", or "realistic expectations", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "reasonable expectations" and "wishful thinking"?

"Reasonable expectations" are based on evidence and logic, whereas "wishful thinking" is based on desires without regard for reality. For example, having "reasonable expectations" for a project's timeline means considering past performance and available resources.

How do you set "reasonable expectations"?

Setting "reasonable expectations" involves assessing the situation objectively, considering available resources, and accounting for potential challenges. It's about being pragmatic and avoiding overly optimistic assumptions.