A1verb1K

Hope

UK /["/həʊp/","/həʊps/","/həʊpt/","/ˈhəʊpɪŋ/"]/US /["/həʊp/","/həʊps/","/həʊpt/","/ˈhəʊpɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to want something to happen and think that it is possible

In simple words: To believe that something good will happen.

Examples

  • I hope you have a great day!
  • We all hope for peace in the world.
  • She hopes to get a new job soon.
  • I hope you can come to the party.
  • They hope their team wins the game.

Usage notes

Commonly used in both spoken and written English. Appropriate in most contexts, though more formal settings may prefer 'anticipate' or 'expect'. Avoid using with certainty.

Grammar pattern

hope + that + clause

Memory hint

Imagine a 'rope' that lifts your dreams high — you 'hope' to reach for the stars.

Collocations

  • certainly
  • desperately
  • fervently
  • (not) dare (to)
  • hardly dare
  • scarcely dare
  • for
  • hope against hope
  • hope for the best

Synonyms

  • wish
  • expect
  • anticipate
  • aspire
  • long for

Antonyms

  • despair
  • fear
  • doubt

Common mistakes

  • Using 'hope' in a negative context, e.g. 'I hope not to do that.'
  • Confusing 'hope' with 'wish' — 'wish' implies a less likely outcome.
  • 'Hope' should not be followed directly by an infinitive verb.