hoping: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very High (C2)Neutral (Used in all registers from informal to formal)
Quick answer
What does “hoping” mean?
Wanting something to happen and thinking it is possible.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Wanting something to happen and thinking it is possible.
To wish for a particular outcome with an underlying expectation that it might occur, often accompanied by a degree of uncertainty or effort.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic difference. Spelling of the present participle is standardised as '-ing' in both varieties. Occasional colloquial spelling 'hopin'' may appear in representations of dialect.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “hoping” in a Sentence
[Subject] is hoping for [Noun Phrase].[Subject] is hoping (that) [Clause].[Subject] is hoping to [Verb Infinitive].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hoping” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We were all hoping for a bit of sunshine.
- She's hoping to read medicine at university.
American English
- I'm hoping they call me back for a second interview.
- They're hoping for a big turnout at the fundraiser.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Often used in proposals and forecasts, e.g., 'We're hoping to secure the contract next quarter.'
Academic
Used to express a desired research outcome, e.g., 'The study is hoping to demonstrate a correlation.'
Everyday
Common in daily conversation about plans and desires, e.g., 'I'm hoping the weather stays nice.'
Technical
Rare in pure technical manuals; appears more in project documentation regarding goals.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hoping”
- Misspelling as 'hopeing' (incorrect vowel pattern).
- Using with 'for' incorrectly, e.g., 'I'm hoping you to come.' (Correct: 'I'm hoping (that) you will come' or 'I'm hoping for you to come.').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
One 'p'. It comes from the base verb 'hope'. The 'e' is dropped before adding '-ing', following the rule for verbs ending in a silent 'e'.
'Hoping' implies a stronger belief in the possibility of the desired event happening. 'Wishing' can be for things that are less likely or even impossible (e.g., 'I wish I could fly').
No, this is incorrect. The correct patterns are: 'I am hoping (that) you will help me' or 'I am hoping for you to help me' (less common).
Almost always. It refers to a current desire for something that is anticipated or expected to occur in the future.
Wanting something to happen and thinking it is possible.
Hoping is usually neutral (used in all registers from informal to formal) in register.
Hoping: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhəʊpɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhoʊpɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hoping against hope”
- “hope springs eternal”
- “pin one's hopes on”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HOE and a PINg-pong ball: you're using a HOE (sound of 'ho') to PINg (sound of 'ping') the ball towards a goal you want to achieve.
Conceptual Metaphor
HOPE IS A JOURNEY (We're hoping to reach our destination), HOPE IS LIGHT (A glimmer of hope).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'hoping' CORRECTLY?