12 Synonyms for “High Expectations”

Do you want to describe someone with high expectations, but you’re unsure how to do so?

Perhaps you’re worried that “high expectations” doesn’t quite hit the spot or is incorrect.

Luckily, we’re here to help answer that query!

This article has gathered the best alternatives to show you a different way to say “high expectations.”

Other Ways to Say “High Expectations”

  • Elevated standards
  • Lofty hopes
  • Exalted prospects
  • High ambitions
  • Grand expectations
  • Towering prospects
  • Elevated outlook
  • Great foresight
  • High bar
  • Grand designs
  • Elevated targets
  • High hopes

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • “High expectations” is correct and shows that someone has high standards that most people can’t meet.
  • “Elevated standards” is a great phrase to use in formal writing when you’re unsure you can meet someone’s targets.
  • “Lofty hopes” is a fun and informal way to show that someone might have higher standards.

Keep reading to learn another word for someone with high expectations. We’ve touched on the best formal and informal options to show you how to use them in different contexts.

You can also read the last section to learn whether “high expectations” is correct. Then, you’ll know whether it’s an appropriate way to describe someone.

Elevated Standards (Formal)

You can use “elevated standards” as another way to say “high expectations.” This is a great one to use in formal writing, as it shows that someone thinks highly of the work they receive.

For instance, you can use it to describe yourself when emailing an employee. It lets them know that you expect nothing short of perfection from their projects.

While it’s quite a demanding phrase, it’s a great way to show your employees that they get rewarded for working hard.

So, when you want to know how to describe someone who has high expectations of others, you can’t go wrong with this one!

Feel free to review this email sample if you’d still like more information on it:

Dear Charlotte,

I have elevated standards when it comes to these things.

Therefore, I need you to ensure that you only hand your project in when you’re certain it’s completed.

Thank you,
Bob Mortimer

Lofty Hopes (Informal)

Another synonym to describe someone with high expectations is “lofty hopes.” This one is more fun and conversational.

So, it’s a better choice when discussing someone’s expectations with a coworker. It shows that you’ve considered what someone is expecting from you.

Generally, it’s a more friendly way to talk about expectations.

It puts less pressure on the recipient when you say something like this. Therefore, it’s much better to use when you get on well with the recipient and want to have a good laugh.

You should also check out this email sample to learn more:

Hi Jordan,

I have lofty hopes because you’ve shown me that you can do a great job!

I’m sure you’ll pull this one out again and manage to impress me!

Best regards,
Joan Grease

Or, you can check out the following sentence to find out how it works in messages:

She has very lofty hopes, and I’m unsure if you’ll impress her! Nevertheless, feel free to give it a try!

Is It Correct to Say “High Expectations”?

It is correct to say “high expectations.”

It can be insulting if you’re saying that someone is overly critical or expects too much from people. However, for the most part, it’s a great way to show that someone cares a lot.

Feel free to review these sample sentences to learn more about how to use it:

You have high expectations for them, don’t you? You want them to succeed, but you’re unsure if they can.

I have high expectations of what to expect here. I really don’t want to be let down again, after all!

You might notice from the examples above that we used two different prepositions. Well, that’s because both are correct.

You can use “of” or “for” when saying someone has high expectations. It’s usually more common to write “for,” but it’s up to you to decide which sounds better.

  • Correct: I have high expectations for what’s to come.
  • Correct: I have high expectations of what to expect.

But don’t leave without bookmarking this page! Keeping us in your bookmarks ensures that you never forget the best synonyms to use the next time you want to replace “high expectations.”