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Paul Evdokimov Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

'hope' + to be (pres.simple vs future simple)

Hi there,

Supposing I wanted to wish someone prosperity.

When it comes to 'hope' + future simple construction for this purpose, it's perfectly unambiguous: 'I hope you will be rich'.

Now is it correct to use the present simple form of 'to be' for such instances, especially when there are no adverbs/adverbials of time, or will it sound so ambiguous as to bear a completely different meaning, i.e. 'I hope you are rich' will be perceived as 'I expect you to be rich'?

Thanks for your comments in advance.
  

Top answer

Paul Evdokimov 'I hope you are rich' I will ask you what you mean by "rich" and then tell you if your hope is justified. It could also be threatening. I just had a major car accident.

— AlpheccaStars

  • Paul Evdokimov 'I hope you are rich' I will ask you what you mean by "rich" and then tell you if your hope is justified.
  • It could also be threatening.
  • I just had a major car accident.
  • It was my fault and the cars were totaled.
  • "
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3 Answers
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Paul Evdokimov 'I hope you are rich'
I will ask you what you mean by "rich" and then tell you if your hope is justified.

It could also be threatening.

I just had a major car accident. It was my fault and the cars were totaled. The injured person says, "I hope you are rich, because we are going to sue you for a million dollars."
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AlpheccaStarsI will ask you what you mean
Won't it be always clear enough from the context/situation? Do you suggest that one should avoid using 'hope + to be' when wishing something positive?
Most of the grammar books will read something like: 'after 'hope' you can use either the present simple or the future simple form of a verb, the present simple bein
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Paul EvdokimovWon't it be always clear enough from the context/situation?
No, one can be rich in material possessions and money, be rich in spirit, rich in social friendships, etc. There are different aspects of being rich. If someone says, "I hope you are rich." I might wonder what they mean.

I hope you are satisfied (or happy) is rather common.
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