was not optimistic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not optimistic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a lack of hope or positive expectation about a situation or outcome. Example: "After reviewing the project's progress, she was not optimistic about meeting the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

He was not optimistic.

The New York Times - Food

I was not optimistic.

The New Yorker

Mr Armentano was not optimistic.

Independent

Weary and frustrated, he was not optimistic.

The New York Times

Hunter's spokeswoman, Jessica Pezak, was not optimistic.

The New York Times

Bagya, for her part, was not optimistic.

The New York Times

Davidson said he was not optimistic.

The New York Times - Sports

But Dr Dormant's diagnosis was not optimistic.

The Guardian

Wadler was not optimistic about Catlin's chances.

The New York Times - Sports

Malthus was not optimistic that enough people would choose restraint.

The Economist

At that first encounter, Ledereich was not optimistic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "was pessimistic" or "was doubtful" to avoid repetition and add nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was not optimistic" as a standalone statement. Always provide context or reasoning to explain the lack of optimism, making the statement more informative and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not optimistic" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state of mind or outlook. Ludwig AI affirms the phrase's correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was not optimistic" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a lack of positive expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. When employing this phrase, ensure you provide adequate context to explain the reasons behind the lack of optimism. Consider using alternatives to add nuance and avoid repetition in your writing. Being mindful of these guidelines will enhance clarity and impact when expressing a negative outlook.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

felt pessimistic about the chances

Uses the adjective pessimistic to describe the feeling about the likelihood of success.

did not anticipate a positive outcome

Focuses on the anticipation of a positive result rather than a general feeling of optimism.

had no expectation of success

Emphasizes the absence of an expectation for a successful result.

held a bleak outlook on

Uses 'bleak outlook' to express the lack of optimism.

saw little prospect of success

Emphasizes the limited possibility of achieving success.

did not foresee a favorable result

Highlights the inability to predict a positive outcome.

was doubtful of a positive resolution

Focuses on the doubt surrounding the possibility of a positive resolution.

harbored little hope for

Expresses a limited amount of hope, emphasizing the scarcity of positive feelings.

did not believe in a good outcome

Focuses on the lack of belief in a favorable result.

was unenthusiastic about the prospect

Highlights a lack of enthusiasm regarding the potential outcome.

FAQs

What does "was not optimistic" mean?

The phrase "was not optimistic" means that someone did not have a positive or hopeful outlook on a particular situation or outcome. It indicates a lack of confidence that things would turn out well.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "was not optimistic"?

Use "was not optimistic" when you want to convey that someone lacked hope or confidence about a future event or situation. It's particularly useful when you want to highlight a negative expectation or doubt.

What are some alternatives to saying "was not optimistic"?

You can use alternatives like "was pessimistic", "was doubtful", "did not expect" a positive outcome, or "had little hope" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "was not optimistic" the same as "was pessimistic"?

While similar, "was not optimistic" and "was pessimistic" have slightly different connotations. "Was not optimistic" simply indicates a lack of positive expectation, while "was pessimistic" suggests a more pronounced belief that things will go wrong.