set expectations for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set expectations for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of clarifying what is anticipated or required in a particular situation or context. Example: "In our meeting, we need to set expectations for the project timeline and deliverables."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Trump has set expectations for the presidency extraordinarily high.

The Guardian

Also, set expectations for what you want to learn or to gain beforehand.

Columbia University

Often, they turn out be right, or right enough, and they help to set expectations for all of the candidates.

The New Yorker

But how often do we think about our time that way, and set expectations for meetings to produce real returns?

The New York Times

One of the most critical tasks for a leader is to set expectations for how the system will be structured.

Harvard Business Review

Second, to set expectations for all viewers, including parents, about what kinds of content can be found by using proxies like the 'watershed'watershed

The Guardian

Millions of people are likely to tune in for what has become an annual ritual in which presidents set expectations for Congress, for the public and for themselves.

The New York Times

And when asked if he had any goals for the season or had set expectations for himself, Miller leaned on his ski poles and smiled.

The New York Times

The coach also explained that Ms. Parker and her sister could not be accountable for everything and needed to set expectations for employees.

The New York Times

See articleForward thinkingMark Carney, the new governor of the Bank of England, used "forward guidance" to set expectations for the path of future interest rates.

The Economist

These brief conversations allow leaders to set expectations for the upcoming week, review priorities, comment on recent work, and provide course correction, coaching, or important new information.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "set expectations for", be specific and clear about what you anticipate or require. This avoids ambiguity and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Common error

Avoid setting excessively general or vague expectations. For example, instead of saying "set expectations for good performance", specify what constitutes "good performance" with measurable metrics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set expectations for" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of establishing or defining what is anticipated or required. It helps to clarify roles, responsibilities, and anticipated outcomes, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set expectations for" is a very common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of clarifying anticipated outcomes, behaviors, or requirements. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is employed across various contexts, including news, academia, and business. It serves the purpose of providing clarity, reducing ambiguity, and promoting accountability. When using "set expectations for", it's crucial to be specific and avoid overly broad statements. Alternatives such as "define requirements for" or "establish criteria for" can be used to achieve similar effects, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frame expectations for

Highlights structuring how something is anticipated or viewed.

define requirements for

Focuses on outlining necessary conditions or demands.

determine standards for

Implies assessing and establishing quality levels.

establish criteria for

Emphasizes setting specific standards or benchmarks.

stipulate conditions for

Suggests stating explicit terms or provisions.

specify parameters for

Highlights setting measurable factors or limits.

lay down guidelines for

Suggests providing a set of instructions or advice.

outline objectives for

Stresses setting clear goals to achieve.

set the agenda for

Implies creating a plan or list of items to be discussed or done.

create anticipation for

Focuses on building a sense of excitement or expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "set expectations for" in a sentence?

You can use "set expectations for" to describe the act of clarifying what is anticipated or required. For instance, "The manager needs to "set expectations for" the team's performance this quarter."

What are some alternatives to "set expectations for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "define requirements for", "establish criteria for", or "frame expectations for", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "set expectations for" or "manage expectations for"?

While both phrases are valid, "set expectations for" focuses on initially clarifying what is anticipated, whereas "manage expectations for" implies adjusting or influencing existing expectations, often to align with reality.

What's the difference between "set expectations for" and "set goals for"?

"Set expectations for" involves clarifying anticipated outcomes or behaviors, while "set goals for" involves defining specific targets to achieve. You might "set goals for" increased sales, and "set expectations for" how the sales team will work to achieve those goals.