weak hope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weak hope" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is little expectation or confidence that something will happen or succeed. Example: "Despite the challenges ahead, she held onto a weak hope that things would improve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That, though, can only be a weak hope.

Huffington Post

Although met with criticism among some environmentalists who see it as too compromising and weak, hope is generally high that the newly proposed bipartisan bill will at least get the ball finally rolling on the Hill.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We prey on the "weak", hoping they won't notice.

Huffington Post

She closed her eyes and hoped — it seemed a weak thing, hope, and it was all she had — with all her heart not.

The New Yorker

In a weak economy, hope and change would not work, and steady reminders about the situation Obama had inherited would not suffice.

The New Yorker

It is a feature of the modern world that many countries, less concerned about the loss of buying power for their own citizens, welcome weak currencies, hoping that will help their exporters.

The New York Times

While Ford made improvements at Jaguar, sales have still been weaker than hoped, analysts said.

The New York Times

So they gloat that the European Union's statement in support of Greece last Thursday was weaker than hoped and the market was unexpectedly unenthusiastic.

The New York Times

Management warned that it might transfer those operations to Kentucky or Arizona, saying it needed lower costs because sales were weaker than hoped.

The New York Times

Whilst [commerical] was weaker than hoped, this was only in two particular customers (not across the board) and Retail numbers were very good and an indication of consumers' continuing regard for the brand.

The Guardian - Business

If Hamas remains isolated, the links between Gaza and the West Bank may become even weaker, dimming hopes of an eventual single Palestinian state.Since Egypt's upheaval, officials in Ramallah, the PA's headquarters on the West Bank, have been busily telephoning their Hamas counterparts in Gaza, hoping to persuade them to seek national reconciliation or accept elections.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weak hope", consider the context carefully. It's most effective when you want to acknowledge the presence of hope, however small or unlikely it might be. This phrase can add a layer of realism or mild pessimism to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "weak hope" in situations where you want to express genuine optimism or confidence. Its inherently negative connotation can undermine your intended message and confuse the reader. In such cases, opt for stronger expressions of hope.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weak hope" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "weak" modifies the noun "hope". It typically acts as a subject complement or object, describing the quality or state of hope. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "weak hope" is a grammatically sound adjective-noun combination used to convey a small or unlikely expectation of a positive outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's more frequently found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While grammatically correct, it’s crucial to be aware of its pessimistic connotation and use it judiciously, avoiding its application where genuine optimism is intended. Alternatives such as "faint hope" or "slim chance" may offer subtle differences in nuance, so choose the best one based on the specific message to be delivered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faint hope

Emphasizes the diminished quality or intensity of the hope.

dim hope

Highlights how the expectation is unclear and not well-defined.

waning hope

Indicates that expectation is decresing over time.

slim chance

Focuses on the low probability of success.

feeble prospect

Indicates that the chance of success is unlikely.

unlikely prospect

Emphasizes the improbable nature of the potential outcome.

remote possibility

Highlights the unlikelihood of the event occurring.

minimal optimism

Directly states the limited amount of positive outlook.

tenuous expectation

Suggests the expectation is fragile and easily disrupted.

slight anticipation

Implies a minimal level of eagerness or expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "weak hope" in a sentence?

You can use "weak hope" to describe a situation where there is a minimal expectation or confidence that something will happen or succeed. For example: "Despite the challenges ahead, she held onto a "weak hope" that things would improve."

What are some alternatives to "weak hope"?

Alternatives include "slim chance", "faint hope", or "remote possibility". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "weak hope" grammatically correct?

Yes, "weak hope" is grammatically correct. It's a common adjective-noun construction that is easily understood.

What's the difference between "weak hope" and "faint hope"?

While both suggest a small amount of hope, "faint hope" emphasizes the diminished quality of the hope itself, while "weak hope" emphasizes that the overall chance of the hope coming to fruition is tenuous. Consider to use "faint hope" when you are referring to hope is disappearing.