thread of hope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thread of hope" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to convey a sense of optimism or possibility in difficult situations. Example: "Even in the darkest times, she held onto a thread of hope that things would get better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

And yet residents cling to a thread of hope.

The New York Times

The tenuous thread of hope becoming a thick cord – I was a believer.

The Guardian - Books

She handles all the things that happen in her life, some of them very tragic and horrible, always with a thread of hope.

The Guardian - Film

The one thread of hope in the court's decision was its urging a mandate for "prompt disclosure" of donors so voters might discern whether candidates are " 'in the pocket' of so-called moneyed interests".

The New York Times

WHAT slender thread of hope we had last year for being granted permission to visit the Altamira caves, the stunning 15,000-year-old painted document to human creativity in northern Spain near Bilbao, snapped 10 days before we arrived.

The New York Times - Travel

The heroism of the real-life Paul Rusesabagina Don Cheadlee), the hotel manager who turned the elegant Hôtel des Mille Collines in the capital city, Kigali, into a refuge, left you hanging on a thread of hope.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Threads of hope: voices from the real Greece Victoria Hislop, whose Greek-set novels The Island and The Thread have topped so many charts, has always given generously back to the country that inspired her bestsellers.

Independent

For many years, the poet Lawrence Sail has produced a new poem each Christmas, and now these are collected in Songs of the Darkness (Enitharmon Press), which is as starkly truthful about winter and darkness as it is about the frail threads of hope that light the season.

The Guardian - Books

In late August 2003, the threads of hope that held together the War in Iraq were beginning to shred on a daily basis.

Huffington Post

To follow some fragile thread of imaginary hope that cooperation will bring freedom?

The New York Times

CHARGERS (6-8) at BUCS (9-5) byccaneers by 3 1/2 San Diego, which has not lost a December game since 2005, is hanging on to its last thread of playoff hope.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thread of hope" to express a fragile but persistent sense of optimism, particularly when facing adversity or uncertainty. It conveys a delicate but resilient belief in a positive outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "thread of hope" when the situation clearly indicates a high probability of success or a strong basis for optimism. The phrase is best suited for scenarios where hope is tenuous and easily lost.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thread of hope" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It represents a fragile or tenuous sense of optimism in a challenging or uncertain situation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

16%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The expression "thread of hope" is a noun phrase employed to depict a fragile yet enduring optimism in the face of adversity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. Predominantly used in News & Media sources, it conveys a sense of delicate anticipation, expressing a small amount of optimism in difficult situations. Alternatives such as “"ray of hope"” and “"glimmer of hope"” offer nuanced variations. While suitable for formal writing, it's essential to avoid overstating certainty. When using "thread of hope", authors should express a delicate but resilient belief in a positive outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ray of hope

Suggests a more distinct and brighter indication of potential positive outcomes.

glimmer of hope

Emphasizes a faint and subtle sign of potential improvement or positive resolution.

spark of hope

Implies a sudden and initial burst of optimism in a situation that may seem bleak.

sign of optimism

Highlights a clear indication or signal that a situation might improve.

semblance of hope

Indicates a superficial or outward appearance of hope, which may not be deeply felt or strongly supported.

hint of optimism

Suggests a subtle and indirect indication that things could turn out favorably.

flicker of hope

Conveys a brief and unsteady sign of hope that might easily disappear.

vestige of hope

Implies that only a small trace or remnant of hope remains.

sense of anticipation

Focuses on the feeling of expectation and possibility, but doesn't guarantee hope.

light at the end of the tunnel

Expresses a belief that a difficult situation will eventually improve and come to a positive conclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "thread of hope" in a sentence?

You can use "thread of hope" to describe a small amount of optimism in a difficult situation. For example: "Even after the devastating loss, she clung to a "thread of hope" that her family would recover."

What are some alternatives to "thread of hope"?

Alternatives include "ray of hope", "glimmer of hope", or "spark of hope". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of optimism you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "thread of hope" in formal writing?

Yes, "thread of hope" is suitable for formal writing. It is a well-understood idiom and can be used effectively in various contexts, including news reports, academic papers, and business communications.

What's the difference between "thread of hope" and "false hope"?

"Thread of hope" describes a genuine, albeit fragile, sense of optimism. "False hope" refers to an unfounded or unrealistic belief that something positive will happen, often leading to disappointment.