English Grammar

Hope

After I hope, we often use a present tense with a future meaning.

• I hope she is having a good time.

In negative sentences, we usually put not with the verb that comes after hope.

• I hope she doesn’t get late. (NOT I don’t hope she gets late.)

I was hoping is used to introduce a polite request.

• I was hoping you could lend me some money.

I had hoped is used to talk about hopes that weren’t realised.

hopefully

Hopefully can mean I hope. This is a fairly recent usage in British English, and some people consider it incorrect.

• Hopefully, I am not disturbing you. (I hope I am not disturbing you.)

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