set high hopes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set high hopes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing optimism or expectations for a positive outcome in a situation. Example: "After the successful meeting, the team set high hopes for the project's future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The publication of Dr. Livingstone's Cambridge Lectures (1858) roused almost as much interest as his book, and out of his Cambridge visit came the Universities' Mission to Central Africa in 1860, on which Livingstone set high hopes during his second expedition to Africa.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He had set high hopes on this appointment: "My friends are trying to persuade me that this post might have been especially created for me," he wrote to a Swedish friend.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Smith has set high standards and hopes that in a few decades his school might be known as the "MIT of the north".

Science Magazine

Hopes were set high that the meeting might produce a significant global agreement on climate change, which would address specific emissions commitments from the key emitting countries--including the United States, China, and India.

Forbes

She was extremely determined and diligent towards her schoolwork, and set high goals for herself, in the hopes of making her parents and brother proud.

Huffington Post

We hope this experience of a college campus will inspire them to set high personal goals for themselves.

Huffington Post

Set high standards.

WikiHow

Set higher goals.

WikiHow

Torres: To make a difference in the lives of students, school leaders need to become the architects for creating dreams, inspiring hope, setting high expectations, and enabling these dreams to become realities through structure and collaboration.

Huffington Post

We set out with high hopes, but also with skepticism.

The New York Times - Sports

Again with little equipment and a frisbee doubling as a chopping board, we jammed into my car and set off with high hopes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set high hopes" when you want to convey a sense of optimism and strong expectation for a favorable result in a specific situation or endeavor. Ensure the context supports a genuine possibility of achieving those hopes.

Common error

Avoid using "set high hopes" when the situation is clearly unrealistic or lacks a foundation for optimism. Setting unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment and undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "set high hopes" is to express optimism or strong expectations regarding a future event or situation. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, indicating a positive outlook.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set high hopes" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to convey strong optimism and expectation for a positive outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in English writing. Its application spans various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and wiki content, reflecting a neutral to slightly formal register. When using this phrase, it's best to ensure a realistic foundation for the expected positive results to avoid disappointment. Alternatives like "have great expectations" or "hold optimistic views" can offer similar meanings with subtle variations. Considering Ludwig's analysis and diverse examples, "set high hopes" remains a valuable tool for expressing positive anticipation in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have great expectations

Focuses on the anticipation of positive outcomes.

hold optimistic views

Emphasizes a positive outlook and belief in success.

look forward with anticipation

Highlights the eagerness and positive expectations for the future.

be very hopeful

Simple expression of strong hopefulness.

expect great things

Indicates an anticipation of significant achievements.

aim for the stars

Suggests setting ambitious goals and high aspirations.

have lofty ambitions

Highlights the grand and elevated nature of one's goals.

dream big

Encourages pursuing ambitious dreams without limitations.

anticipate success

Focuses on the expectation and belief in achieving success.

cherish aspirations

Emphasizes the value and care given to one's hopes and goals.

FAQs

How can I use "set high hopes" in a sentence?

You can use "set high hopes" to describe having strong expectations for a positive outcome. For example, "After the successful initial trials, the researchers "set high hopes" for the drug's approval".

What are some alternatives to "set high hopes"?

Alternatives include "have great expectations", "hold optimistic views", or "look forward with anticipation", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "set high hopes" or "have realistic expectations"?

The best approach depends on the situation. "Set high hopes" is suitable when optimism and aspiration are important, while "have realistic expectations" is more appropriate when a balanced and pragmatic outlook is necessary. Sometimes, it's beneficial to "have high hopes", but "set realistic goals".

When is it inappropriate to "set high hopes"?

It's inappropriate to "set high hopes" when the circumstances are clearly unfavorable or when the potential for disappointment is significant. In such cases, it's better to manage expectations and avoid unnecessary emotional investment.