The quickest hopefully synonym is simply I hope: "Hopefully the bus is on time" becomes "I hope the bus is on time." Other good choices are with any luck, all being well, ideally and, for the older manner sense, optimistically or expectantly.
Another word for hopefully matters most in formal writing. Some teachers still dislike hopefully as a sentence opener, and a short swap removes the doubt. Below, the options are ranked by tone and shown in emails, essays and messages.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
I hope, with any luck, all being well, ideallyPart of speech
AdverbMost formal
it is hoped that, I trustMost casual
fingers crossed, let's hopeManner sense
optimistically, expectantly, eagerlyAntonyms
hopelessly, pessimistically, I fearWatch out
Ideally means the best case, not the expected case. Do not use it for something you think will happen.
Two jobs hopefully can do
Most of the time hopefully comments on a whole sentence: Hopefully, it will stop raining means I hope it stops raining. The older sense describes how someone acts: the dog looked up hopefully means in a hopeful way.
| Use | Swap with | Sample |
|---|---|---|
| Sentence comment | I hope, with luck, all being well | All being well, we land at noon. |
| Manner | expectantly, eagerly, optimistically | She checked her inbox expectantly. |
| Best case | ideally, preferably | Ideally, send it by Friday. |
Choosing a hopefully synonym by tone
Those five chips go from texting language up to report language. Fingers crossed belongs in texts and chat. With any luck is friendly and works in speech and light writing. If all goes well is neutral and clear for plans. All being well is a touch more formal and common in British English. It is hoped that is impersonal and suits reports, though it can sound stiff.
Can a sentence begin with hopefully?
Yes. Using hopefully to mean I hope is standard English and appears in careful writing everywhere. A few style guides once objected, and some readers remember that rule. In a formal essay or a legal letter, a swap like I hope or it is hoped that avoids the debate entirely. For linking words that open sentences, browse our transition words collection.
Hopefully in work emails
- Hopefully this helps becomes I hope this helps.
- Hopefully we can meet next week becomes I would welcome a meeting next week.
- Hopefully you are well becomes I trust you are well (formal).
- Hopefully the fix works becomes the fix should work, and I will check it tomorrow.
- Hopefully I hear back soon becomes I await your thoughts.
A job applicant ends a cover letter with "Hopefully I will hear from you." It sounds unsure. "I look forward to discussing the role with you" sounds confident and still polite.
Swaps that change the meaning
Probably and likely state odds, not wishes. "It will probably rain" is a forecast; "hopefully it will rain" is what a farmer wants. Eventually is about time, not hope. Thankfully and luckily describe something that already happened well. Use these only when you mean them.
Opposite words
For the manner sense, use hopelessly, despairingly or gloomily. For the sentence sense, the opposite feeling is fear or regret: I fear the shop is closed, or unfortunately and regrettably when the bad news is already true.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for hopefully in an email?
I hope is the simplest. I trust and I look forward to sound more polished; pick based on whether you are wishing someone well or expecting an answer.
Is hopefully informal?
Not really. It is standard and neutral. In very formal writing, I hope or it is hoped that can sound more careful.
How do I replace hopefully this helps?
Try I hope this helps, I hope this is useful, or let me know if anything is unclear. The last one invites a reply.
Is ideally a synonym for hopefully?
Partly. Ideally describes the best possible outcome, while hopefully describes an outcome you want and think is possible.
Which hopefully swaps sound relaxed?
Fingers crossed, let's hope and with any luck all sound relaxed and friendly in texts.
What is the opposite of hopefully?
Hopelessly and pessimistically oppose the manner sense. For the I hope sense, writers use I fear or regrettably.