At the A1 level, you might know the word 'hope.' 'Hoping' is just the '-ing' form. You use it to say what you want to happen now. For example, 'I am hoping for a good day.' It is like saying 'I want.' You use it with 'am,' 'is,' or 'are.' It is a happy word. You use it when you look at the future and see something good. It is easy to use with simple things like weather, food, or friends. Just remember: one 'p' in 'hoping.' If you use two 'p's, it is 'hopping' like a rabbit!
At the A2 level, you can use 'hoping' to talk about your plans and feelings. You can say 'I am hoping to go to the park' or 'We are hoping for a sunny weekend.' You are learning to use it with 'to' and a verb. This helps you talk about your intentions. You also start to see 'hoping' in polite questions. It is a very useful word for being nice to people. You can use it to talk about your family, your job, or your hobbies. It shows that you have a positive attitude about the future.
As a B1 learner, you should use 'hoping' to add nuance to your English. You can use the 'I was hoping...' structure to make polite requests. This is very important for social and work situations. You also understand the difference between 'hoping for' (a noun) and 'hoping to' (a verb). You can use 'hoping' in longer sentences to explain why you are doing something. For example, 'I am studying hard, hoping to pass my exam.' This shows you can connect your actions to your desires. You are also more careful with the spelling and don't confuse it with 'hopping.'
At the B2 level, you use 'hoping' in more complex ways. You might use it as a participle phrase at the start of a sentence: 'Hoping to avoid the traffic, I left early.' You also use it with adverbs like 'sincerely' or 'desperately' to show how much you want something. You understand the subtle difference between 'hoping' and 'expecting' or 'anticipating.' You can use 'hoping' in professional emails and formal letters. Your use of the word shows that you understand English social rules, especially how to use 'hoping' to be polite and indirect when asking for things.
At the C1 level, you use 'hoping' with complete precision. You use it to set the tone of a conversation or a piece of writing. You might use idioms like 'hoping against hope' to describe a very difficult situation. You understand how 'hoping' functions in different registers, from academic writing to casual slang. You can use it to express complex emotional states, such as a mix of hope and anxiety. Your use of 'hoping' is natural and varied, and you never confuse it with similar words. You use it to create flow and rhythm in your sentences.
At the C2 level, 'hoping' is a tool you use with mastery. You understand its historical roots and how its usage has changed over time. You can use it in literary ways to create specific moods. You might use it in a very subtle, ironic, or sarcastic way if the context allows. You are aware of how 'hoping' interacts with other complex grammatical structures. You can discuss the philosophy of hope using the word 'hoping' as a central concept. Your command of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker.

hoping in 30 Seconds

  • Hoping is the present participle of 'hope,' used to express a continuous feeling of desire or expectation for a positive future outcome.
  • It is commonly used in the present continuous tense to describe current feelings and in the past continuous to make polite requests.
  • The word is versatile, appearing in casual conversation, professional emails, songs, and literature to convey optimism and gentle intent.
  • Key grammatical patterns include 'hoping to' followed by a verb and 'hoping for' followed by a noun or noun phrase.

The word hoping is the present participle form of the verb 'hope.' In English grammar, this form is used to describe an ongoing state of desire or expectation. When you are hoping for something, you are not just wishing for a miracle; you are often looking forward to a realistic possibility with a sense of positive anticipation. It is a word that bridges the gap between a simple wish and a firm plan. People use 'hoping' when they want to express their internal feelings about the future without sounding too demanding or certain. For example, saying 'I am hoping to see you' is softer and more polite than saying 'I want to see you.' It suggests a gentle desire that depends on other factors. This word is incredibly common in both spoken and written English because it conveys optimism and politeness simultaneously. It is frequently found in professional correspondence, social invitations, and personal reflections. In the context of the CEFR B1 level, understanding 'hoping' is essential for moving from basic factual sentences to more nuanced expressions of emotion and intent. It allows the speaker to describe their mental state over a period of time, rather than just a single moment of wishing. The use of the continuous form '-ing' emphasizes that this feeling is currently active in the speaker's mind. It is a persistent thought, a recurring dream, or a steady expectation that guides their current actions and decisions.

Emotional State
Hoping represents a positive psychological state where an individual maintains a belief in a favorable outcome despite uncertainty.
Social Function
It serves as a linguistic tool for politeness, softening requests and making intentions appear less aggressive or presumptive.
Grammatical Role
As a present participle, it functions in continuous tenses or as a gerund, providing flexibility in sentence structure.

I am hoping that the weather stays clear for our outdoor wedding ceremony this weekend.

We were hoping to find a table for four, but the restaurant is completely booked tonight.

She spent the whole afternoon hoping for a phone call from the recruitment agency.

They are hoping against hope that the lost cat will find its way back home eventually.

Always hoping for the best, he invested his savings into the new startup venture.

Using 'hoping' correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical patterns. The most common structure is the present continuous: 'Subject + am/is/are + hoping.' This is used to talk about current desires. For example, 'I am hoping to pass the exam.' Another very important structure is the past continuous used for politeness: 'I was hoping...' This doesn't necessarily mean you stopped hoping; rather, it is a way to frame a request gently. For instance, 'I was hoping you could lend me a hand' sounds much more courteous than 'Can you help me?' Additionally, 'hoping' can be followed by a 'that' clause, an infinitive ('to' + verb), or a prepositional phrase starting with 'for.' When you use 'hoping for,' you are usually looking for a noun or a specific result, like 'hoping for peace' or 'hoping for a raise.' When you use 'hoping to,' you are focusing on an action you want to perform, such as 'hoping to travel.' It is also possible to use 'hoping' as a participle phrase at the beginning of a sentence to show the reason for an action: 'Hoping to save money, they decided to cook at home.' This adds variety to your writing and helps you connect ideas more logically. It is vital to distinguish 'hoping' from 'hopping.' 'Hoping' has one 'p' and comes from 'hope,' while 'hopping' has two 'p's and comes from 'hop' (jumping). This is a frequent spelling error even for native speakers. Furthermore, 'hoping' is often paired with adverbs to add intensity, such as 'sincerely hoping,' 'desperately hoping,' or 'secretly hoping.' These combinations help express the depth of the emotion involved. In complex sentences, 'hoping' can be used to describe a background state while another action occurs: 'He walked through the rain, hoping he wouldn't catch a cold.' This shows the internal state of the character during the physical action. Mastering these patterns will allow you to express a wide range of human expectations and social nuances with precision and grace.

With 'To' + Verb
Focuses on a desired action: 'I am hoping to graduate next year.'
With 'For' + Noun
Focuses on a desired object or outcome: 'We are hoping for better news.'
With 'That' Clause
Focuses on a specific situation: 'They are hoping that the bus arrives soon.'

I am hoping to start my own business by the end of the year.

The team is hoping for a victory in the final match of the season.

We were hoping that you could join us for dinner on Friday night.

You will encounter the word 'hoping' in a vast array of contexts, from the most formal business meetings to the most casual conversations with friends. In the workplace, it is a staple of professional communication. Emails often begin or end with phrases like 'I am hoping this email finds you well' or 'Hoping to hear from you soon.' These phrases serve to establish a polite and expectant tone without being overly aggressive. In the realm of pop culture, 'hoping' is a favorite word for songwriters. Because it expresses longing and desire, it fits perfectly into lyrics about love, loss, and ambition. You'll hear it in ballads where a singer is 'hoping for a second chance' or in upbeat anthems about 'hoping for a better world.' In movies and television dramas, characters often use 'hoping' to reveal their inner vulnerabilities. A character might whisper, 'I was hoping you'd say that,' during a pivotal romantic moment, or a doctor might tell a family, 'We are hoping for the best,' to provide a sense of cautious optimism. In news reporting, journalists use 'hoping' to describe the collective mood of a population or the goals of a political movement: 'Protesters are hoping for a change in government policy.' It is also common in sports commentary, where fans and analysts are 'hoping for a miracle comeback' in the final minutes of a game. Even in social media posts, people use 'hoping' to share their aspirations, whether it's 'hoping for a coffee' on a Monday morning or 'hoping for a safe flight' before a big trip. The word's versatility makes it a fundamental part of the English-speaking experience, reflecting the universal human tendency to look toward the future with expectation. By paying attention to these different contexts, you can see how 'hoping' functions not just as a verb, but as a reflection of human hope itself, adapted to various social and professional needs.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 'hoping' is a simple but significant spelling error: confusing it with 'hopping.' 'Hoping' (one 'p') comes from 'hope' and relates to desire. 'Hopping' (two 'p's) comes from 'hop' and means jumping on one foot. This mistake can lead to very funny or confusing sentences, such as 'I am hopping to see you soon,' which implies you are jumping toward the person rather than looking forward to seeing them. Another common error is using 'hoping' when 'wishing' would be more appropriate, or vice versa. While they are similar, 'hoping' usually implies that the outcome is possible or realistic. 'Wishing' often deals with things that are impossible or unlikely ('I wish I could fly'). Using 'hoping' for an impossible situation can sound strange to native speakers. Additionally, some learners forget the preposition 'for' when it is needed. You 'hope for' a thing (a noun), but you 'hope to' do an action (a verb). Saying 'I am hoping a car' is incorrect; it should be 'I am hoping for a car.' Another mistake involves the tense. While 'I hope' and 'I am hoping' are often interchangeable, 'I am hoping' suggests a more continuous, ongoing feeling. Using the simple 'I hope' is often more direct. Some learners also struggle with the 'I was hoping' structure, using it to mean they no longer hope, when in fact it is usually a polite way to express a current hope. Finally, be careful with the word order in 'that' clauses. 'I am hoping that he will come' is correct, but 'I am hoping that will he come' is a common mistake where learners accidentally use question word order in a statement. Avoiding these pitfalls will significantly improve your accuracy and make your English sound much more sophisticated and natural.

Spelling Trap
Hoping (Desire) vs. Hopping (Jumping). Remember: Hope has one 'e', so hoping has one 'p'.
Preposition Error
Forgetting 'for' before nouns. Correct: 'Hoping for success.' Incorrect: 'Hoping success.'

To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that are similar to 'hoping' but carry slightly different shades of meaning. 'Wishing' is the most common alternative, but as mentioned, it often implies a less realistic desire. 'Expecting' is stronger than 'hoping'; it suggests that you believe something will definitely happen, whereas 'hoping' includes an element of doubt or uncertainty. 'Anticipating' is similar to 'expecting' but often carries a sense of preparation or excitement for a future event. 'Longing' and 'yearning' are much more intense than 'hoping.' They describe a deep, often painful desire for something that is missing. 'Aspiring' is used when the hope is related to a career or a personal goal, such as 'aspiring to be a doctor.' In more formal or literary contexts, you might use 'desiring' or 'coveting,' though 'coveting' often has a negative connotation of wanting something that belongs to someone else. 'Dreaming' can also be a synonym, especially when the hope is very ambitious or idealistic. For example, 'She is dreaming of a life in Paris.' Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the exact word that fits your emotional state. If you are 90% sure something will happen, use 'expecting.' If you are 50% sure but really want it, use 'hoping.' If you want it but know it's impossible, use 'wishing.' By expanding your range of 'desire' words, you can communicate your feelings more accurately and vividly. This is a key skill for reaching higher levels of English proficiency, where the goal is not just to be understood, but to express yourself with subtlety and precision.

Hoping vs. Wishing
Hoping is for possible things; wishing is often for impossible or unlikely things.
Hoping vs. Expecting
Hoping involves desire; expecting involves certainty or belief in a high probability.
Hoping vs. Longing
Hoping is a general desire; longing is a deep, emotional, and persistent craving.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'hope' is related to the word 'hop,' as in jumping. The original idea might have been 'leaping' toward a goal.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈhəʊpɪŋ/
US /ˈhoʊpɪŋ/
The stress is on the first syllable: HO-ping.
Rhymes With
Coping Moping Roping Sloping Groping Eloping Soap-ing Toping
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing it like 'hopping' (short 'o' sound).
  • Dropping the 'h' sound (common in some dialects).
  • Making the 'ng' sound too hard like a 'g'.
  • Confusing the vowel sound with 'u' as in 'hupping'.
  • Over-emphasizing the second syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize but watch out for the 'hopping' confusion.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct spelling and understanding of prepositions (to/for).

Speaking 3/5

Important for politeness and expressing nuances of desire.

Listening 2/5

Commonly heard in many contexts, usually easy to understand.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Hope Want Wish Like Expect

Learn Next

Anticipate Aspire Endeavor Venture Optimistic

Advanced

Redemption Providence Aspiration Resilience Fortitude

Grammar to Know

Present Continuous for current states

I am hoping for a change.

Past Continuous for politeness

I was hoping you could help.

Gerunds as subjects

Hoping is a natural human instinct.

Participle phrases for reason

Hoping to save time, I took the shortcut.

Verbs followed by infinitives

She is hoping to succeed.

Examples by Level

1

I am hoping for a sun.

I want the sun to come out.

Present continuous with 'for'.

2

She is hoping to see you.

She wants to see you.

Present continuous with 'to'.

3

We are hoping for pizza.

We want pizza for dinner.

Present continuous with 'for'.

4

He is hoping for a gift.

He wants a present.

Present continuous with 'for'.

5

They are hoping to play.

They want to play a game.

Present continuous with 'to'.

6

I am hoping it is good.

I want it to be good.

Present continuous with a clause.

7

Are you hoping for help?

Do you want help?

Question form.

8

Mom is hoping for a rest.

Mom wants to sleep.

Present continuous with 'for'.

1

I am hoping to find my keys.

I am looking for my keys and want to find them.

Hoping + infinitive.

2

We are hoping for a nice holiday.

We want our vacation to be good.

Hoping + for + noun phrase.

3

She is hoping that you like the cake.

She wants you to enjoy the cake she made.

Hoping + that clause.

4

They are hoping to move to a new house.

They want to live in a different home.

Hoping + infinitive.

5

I am hoping for a quick reply.

I want you to answer me soon.

Common phrase in messages.

6

Are you still hoping to go to the party?

Do you still want to attend the event?

Question with 'still'.

7

He is hoping for a better job.

He wants a job that is better than his current one.

Hoping + for + noun.

8

We were hoping for some rain today.

We wanted it to rain.

Past continuous for a past desire.

1

I was hoping you could help me with this.

A polite way to ask for help.

Past continuous for politeness.

2

They are hoping to reach the summit by noon.

Their goal is to get to the top of the mountain.

Expressing a goal or ambition.

3

She is hoping for a positive result from the test.

She wants the test to show good news.

Hoping for + noun.

4

We are hoping that the economy will improve soon.

We want the financial situation to get better.

Hoping + that clause with future will.

5

I am hoping to save enough money for a new car.

My plan is to put money aside for a vehicle.

Hoping + infinitive for long-term goals.

6

Hoping to avoid the crowd, they arrived early.

They came early because they didn't want many people.

Participle phrase at the start.

7

He is sincerely hoping for a second chance.

He really wants another opportunity.

Use of the adverb 'sincerely'.

8

Are you hoping to stay here for a long time?

Is it your intention to remain in this place?

Question about intentions.

1

I was hoping to discuss the project details with you.

A professional way to request a meeting.

Polite past continuous.

2

The researchers are hoping to find a cure for the disease.

The scientists have a goal of discovering a treatment.

Hoping to + verb in a formal context.

3

Hoping for a miracle, the fans cheered until the last second.

The fans wanted something impossible to happen.

Participle phrase showing motivation.

4

We are hoping that the new policy will benefit everyone.

Our expectation is that the rule change will be good.

Expressing institutional hope.

5

She is desperately hoping for some good news from home.

She really needs to hear something positive.

Adverb 'desperately' for intensity.

6

I am hoping to gain more experience in this field.

My professional goal is to learn more.

Hoping to + verb for career growth.

7

They were hoping to keep the news a secret.

Their intention was to not tell anyone.

Past continuous for a failed intention.

8

Is anyone still hoping for a change in the schedule?

Does anyone still want the times to be different?

Question with 'still'.

1

The government is hoping to mitigate the effects of the crisis.

The authorities want to make the crisis less severe.

Formal vocabulary: 'mitigate'.

2

Hoping against hope, he continued his search for the lost city.

He kept looking even though it seemed impossible.

Idiom: 'hoping against hope'.

3

I was hoping you might be able to shed some light on this matter.

A very polite way to ask for an explanation.

Polite past continuous with 'might'.

4

They are hoping for a seamless transition to the new system.

They want the change to happen without any problems.

Collocation: 'seamless transition'.

5

She is hoping to capitalize on the current market trends.

She wants to use the trends to her advantage.

Formal verb: 'capitalize on'.

6

We are hoping that this initiative will foster greater cooperation.

We want the project to encourage people to work together.

Formal verb: 'foster'.

7

Hoping to avoid further controversy, the company issued an apology.

The company apologized because they didn't want more trouble.

Participle phrase for strategic action.

8

Are you hoping to achieve a breakthrough in your research?

Is your goal to make a major discovery?

Collocation: 'achieve a breakthrough'.

1

The protagonist is depicted as constantly hoping for redemption.

The main character always wants to be forgiven.

Literary analysis context.

2

I was hoping against hope that the sheer audacity of the plan would succeed.

I wanted the very bold plan to work despite the odds.

Complex idiom and vocabulary.

3

The diplomat is hoping to broker a peace deal between the two nations.

The official wants to organize a peace agreement.

High-level political context.

4

Hoping to transcend the limitations of his medium, the artist experimented with light.

The artist wanted to go beyond what was normally possible.

Philosophical/artistic context.

5

We are hoping for a paradigm shift in how we approach environmental issues.

We want a fundamental change in our thinking.

Academic collocation: 'paradigm shift'.

6

She is hoping to reconcile her personal beliefs with her professional duties.

She wants to make her beliefs and her job work together.

Complex psychological state.

7

The philosopher spent his life hoping to uncover the ultimate truth.

His lifelong goal was to find the truth.

Existential context.

8

Are you hoping to elicit a specific response from your audience?

Do you want to get a particular reaction from the people?

Formal verb: 'elicit'.

Synonyms

Wishing Expecting Anticipating Aspiring Longing Yearning Desiring Dreaming

Antonyms

Despairing Dreading Fearing Doubting

Common Collocations

Hoping for the best
Sincerely hoping
Still hoping
Desperately hoping
Hoping to hear
Hoping to see
Hoping that
Secretly hoping
Hoping for a change
Hoping to achieve

Common Phrases

Hoping against hope

— To continue to hope for something even though it seems impossible.

They were hoping against hope for a miracle.

I was hoping...

— A polite way to start a request or a suggestion.

I was hoping you could help me.

Hoping for a break

— Waiting for a lucky opportunity to happen.

The young actor is still hoping for a big break.

Hoping for the best, preparing for the worst

— Being optimistic but also being ready for problems.

We are hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst.

Just hoping

— Expressing a simple, non-demanding desire.

I'm just hoping everything goes well.

Hoping to make a difference

— Wanting to have a positive impact on a situation.

She joined the charity, hoping to make a difference.

Hoping to find

— Searching for something with the expectation of success.

They are hoping to find a solution soon.

Hoping to avoid

— Wanting to prevent something unpleasant from happening.

He left early, hoping to avoid the rush hour.

Hoping to learn

— Expressing a desire to gain new knowledge or skills.

I'm hoping to learn more about history.

Hoping for a response

— Waiting for someone to answer a message or call.

I'm still hoping for a response to my email.

Often Confused With

hoping vs Hopping

Means jumping on one foot; has two 'p's.

hoping vs Wishing

Often used for less realistic or impossible desires.

hoping vs Expecting

Implies a higher level of certainty than hoping.

Idioms & Expressions

"Hope springs eternal"

— People always continue to hope, even in bad situations.

Even after the defeat, he felt that hope springs eternal.

Literary
"Beyond hope"

— In a condition where there is no chance of improvement.

The old car was beyond hope of repair.

Neutral
"A glimmer of hope"

— A very small sign that something might improve.

There is still a glimmer of hope for the peace talks.

Neutral
"Ray of hope"

— Something that provides a small amount of optimism.

His recovery was a ray of hope for the family.

Neutral
"To pin one's hopes on"

— To rely completely on one person or thing for success.

She pinned all her hopes on getting that scholarship.

Neutral
"To dash someone's hopes"

— To destroy someone's dreams or expectations.

The bad news dashed their hopes of a holiday.

Neutral
"In the hope of"

— With the intention or desire of achieving something.

He worked hard in the hope of getting a promotion.

Neutral
"High hopes"

— Great expectations for success.

We have high hopes for the new project.

Neutral
"False hope"

— Hope that is based on something that is not true or possible.

Don't give them false hope if you can't help.

Neutral
"To lose hope"

— To stop believing that something good will happen.

Never lose hope, no matter how hard it gets.

Neutral

Easily Confused

hoping vs Hopping

Similar spelling and sound.

Hoping is about desire; hopping is about jumping. Hoping has a long 'o'; hopping has a short 'o'.

I am hoping to see the bunny hopping in the garden.

hoping vs Wishing

Similar meaning of desire.

Hoping is for possible things; wishing is often for things that cannot happen.

I am hoping for a sunny day, but I am wishing I could fly.

hoping vs Expecting

Both involve the future.

Hoping is a wish; expecting is a belief that it will definitely happen.

I am hoping to win, but I am not expecting to win.

hoping vs Wanting

Both express desire.

Wanting is more direct and sometimes less polite than hoping.

I am wanting a burger, but I am hoping for a healthy salad.

hoping vs Longing

Both express desire.

Longing is much stronger and more emotional than hoping.

I am hoping to see her, but he is longing for her return.

Sentence Patterns

A1

I am hoping for [Noun].

I am hoping for a cat.

A2

She is hoping to [Verb].

She is hoping to travel.

B1

I was hoping you could [Verb].

I was hoping you could call me.

B1

Hoping to [Verb], [Subject] [Verb].

Hoping to win, he ran fast.

B2

They are sincerely hoping that [Clause].

They are sincerely hoping that it works.

C1

Hoping against hope, [Subject] [Verb].

Hoping against hope, they waited.

C1

[Subject] is hoping to capitalize on [Noun].

He is hoping to capitalize on the deal.

C2

[Subject] is depicted as hoping for [Noun].

The hero is depicted as hoping for peace.

Word Family

Nouns

Hope
Hopefulness
Hopelessness

Verbs

Hope
Hoped
Hopes

Adjectives

Hopeful
Hopeless

Related

Aspiration
Expectation
Desire
Wish
Optimism

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in all forms of English.

Common Mistakes
  • I am hopping to see you. I am hoping to see you.

    Hopping means jumping; hoping means desiring.

  • I am hoping a new car. I am hoping for a new car.

    You need the preposition 'for' before a noun.

  • I am hoping that will he come. I am hoping that he will come.

    Do not use question word order in a 'that' clause.

  • I wish for a sunny day tomorrow. I am hoping for a sunny day tomorrow.

    Use 'hoping' for realistic future possibilities.

  • She was hoped to win. She was hoping to win.

    Use the present participle for an ongoing state of mind.

Tips

The One-P Rule

Always remember that 'hoping' has only one 'p'. If you add another, you're jumping!

The Polite Past

Use 'I was hoping...' to make your requests sound softer and more respectful.

To vs For

Use 'to' for actions (hoping to go) and 'for' for things (hoping for luck).

Expand Your Range

Try using 'anticipating' or 'aspiring' for a more formal or specific tone.

Email Etiquette

'Hoping to hear from you' is a perfect way to end a professional message.

Vowel Length

Make sure to stretch the 'o' sound in 'hoping' to distinguish it from 'hopping'.

Participle Phrases

Start a sentence with 'Hoping to...' to show the motivation behind an action.

Listen for Nuance

Notice how the tone changes when someone says 'I hope' versus 'I am hoping'.

Literary Hope

Look for 'hoping' in stories to understand a character's internal desires.

Daily Hope

Every morning, think of one thing you are 'hoping to' do that day.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Remember: 'Hoping' has one 'p' because you have 'one' big dream. 'Hopping' has two 'p's because you jump on 'two' feet.

Visual Association

Imagine a person looking at a bright star in the night sky, 'hoping' for a wish to come true.

Word Web

Future Desire Optimism Politeness Expectation Goal Dream Possibility

Challenge

Try to use 'I was hoping...' in three different polite requests today with your friends or colleagues.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English word 'hopian,' which means to wish or expect. It has Germanic roots.

Original meaning: To look forward to something with desire and confidence.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Generally a very positive word, but 'hoping against hope' can imply a desperate or sad situation.

Used frequently to soften requests and maintain social harmony.

'Hope is the thing with feathers' by Emily Dickinson The song 'Hoping' by various artists Barack Obama's 'The Audacity of Hope'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace

  • Hoping for a promotion
  • Hoping to meet the deadline
  • Hoping for feedback
  • Hoping to collaborate

Social Life

  • Hoping to see you
  • Hoping for a good time
  • Hoping you can come
  • Hoping for a fun night

Travel

  • Hoping for good weather
  • Hoping for no delays
  • Hoping to explore
  • Hoping for a safe trip

Health

  • Hoping for a recovery
  • Hoping to feel better
  • Hoping for good news
  • Hoping to stay healthy

Education

  • Hoping to pass
  • Hoping for a scholarship
  • Hoping to learn
  • Hoping for a good grade

Conversation Starters

"What are you hoping to achieve in the next five years of your life?"

"Are you hoping for any big changes in your career this year?"

"I was hoping you could tell me more about your recent trip to Italy."

"Is there anything you are specifically hoping for this holiday season?"

"We were hoping to go for a hike; would you like to join us?"

Journal Prompts

Write about something you are currently hoping for and why it is important to you.

Describe a time when you were hoping against hope for something that actually happened.

How does the feeling of hoping differ from the feeling of knowing for you?

Write a letter to your future self about what you are hoping to accomplish.

Reflect on a situation where you were hoping for one thing but got something better.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is 'hoping' if you mean you want something to happen. It has one 'p'. 'Hopping' has two 'p's and means jumping.

No, you usually need 'for' or 'to'. Say 'I am hoping for you to succeed' or 'I am hoping you will help'.

It means you are hoping for something even though it seems impossible or very unlikely to happen.

No, it is often used as a polite way to express a current hope or request.

Use 'hoping to' before a verb (action) and 'hoping for' before a noun (thing).

It can be used in both formal and informal situations. It is very common in professional emails.

Yes, as a gerund, it can function as a noun, like in 'Hoping is all I can do'.

The past tense is 'hoped' (one 'p').

Yes, it is considered a B1 level word because it involves more complex continuous tenses and social nuances.

Yes, 'I am hoping that everything goes well' is a very common and correct structure.

Test Yourself 190 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'hoping to' and a verb.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'hoping for' and a noun.

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writing

Write a polite request starting with 'I was hoping...'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'hoping that'.

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writing

Write a sentence starting with 'Hoping to avoid...'.

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writing

Use 'sincerely hoping' in a sentence.

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writing

Use 'hoping against hope' in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence about a career goal using 'hoping'.

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writing

Write a sentence about a travel plan using 'hoping'.

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writing

Write a sentence about a social event using 'hoping'.

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writing

Use 'desperately hoping' in a sentence.

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writing

Use 'still hoping' in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'hoping' as a gerund.

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writing

Write a sentence about a sports team using 'hoping'.

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writing

Write a sentence about a personal wish using 'hoping'.

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writing

Use 'secretly hoping' in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence about a medical result using 'hoping'.

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writing

Write a sentence about a financial goal using 'hoping'.

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writing

Use 'hoping to hear' in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence about a change using 'hoping'.

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speaking

Say: 'I am hoping to see you soon.'

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speaking

Say: 'We are hoping for a sunny day.'

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speaking

Say: 'I was hoping you could help me.'

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speaking

Say: 'She is hoping to pass the exam.'

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speaking

Say: 'They are hoping for a miracle.'

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speaking

Say: 'I am sincerely hoping for your success.'

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speaking

Say: 'Hoping to avoid the crowd, we left early.'

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speaking

Say: 'Are you still hoping to go to the party?'

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speaking

Say: 'I am hoping for a quick response.'

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speaking

Say: 'We are hoping that everything goes well.'

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speaking

Say: 'He is hoping to find a better job.'

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speaking

Say: 'I was hoping to talk to you for a moment.'

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speaking

Say: 'They are hoping for a change in the weather.'

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speaking

Say: 'She is hoping to travel to Japan next year.'

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speaking

Say: 'I am hoping for a good grade on my test.'

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speaking

Say: 'Are you hoping for a surprise party?'

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speaking

Say: 'We are hoping to move to a new house soon.'

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speaking

Say: 'I am hoping to learn how to play the guitar.'

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speaking

Say: 'They are hoping that the bus arrives on time.'

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speaking

Say: 'I am hoping for a peaceful and quiet evening.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'I am hoping for a sunny day.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'She is hoping to see you soon.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write: 'I was hoping you could help me.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen and write: 'They are hoping for a miracle.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'We are hoping that it works.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'He is hoping to find a job.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Are you hoping for a gift?'

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listening

Listen and write: 'I am hoping to learn more.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'She is hoping for a call.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'We are hoping to go home.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Hoping to avoid the rain, I ran.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'I am sincerely hoping for you.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Are they still hoping to win?'

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listening

Listen and write: 'I was hoping to see you there.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'We are hoping for the best.'

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/ 190 correct

Perfect score!

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