I always wish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I always wish" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a consistent desire or longing for something in a general sense. Example: "I always wish I could travel more often and explore new cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"I always wish for a 'no' every day," Merritt said.

The New York Times

I always wish they were slightly more inventive.

The New Yorker

"I always wish I told more lies," he said.

The New York Times

I always wish I'd bought more of them.

The New Yorker

I'm glad that I can play the tennis that I always wish to play".

The Guardian - Sport

I always wish the best for all of the kids in this league, especially my son.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

("I always wished I had a bedroom").

The New York Times

I always wished others well.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I always wished I could go," she said.

The New Yorker

"I always wished he would run.

The Guardian - Books

It's the kind of book I always wished existed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I always wish" to express a recurring desire or hope, especially when reflecting on past actions or contemplating future possibilities. It's suitable for expressing personal sentiments in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider diversifying your expressions with alternatives like "I often hope" or "It is my constant desire" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I always wish" functions as an expression of a recurrent desire or regret. It is commonly used to convey a longing for something that is not currently the case. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I always wish" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a recurrent desire, hope, or regret. According to Ludwig, it is usable in written English and suitable for a wide range of contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to avoid overuse, especially in formal writing, where alternatives like "I often desire" or "It is my constant desire" might be more appropriate. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media sources and is also present in Academic and Formal & Business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I find myself wishing

Highlights the involuntary nature of the wish, as if it occurs without conscious effort.

I often desire

Emphasizes the frequency of the desire, similar to "always" but using a different adverb.

I keep hoping

Simplifies the expression, focusing on the continuous act of hoping.

I consistently hope

Highlights the continuous nature of the hope, akin to a habitual wish.

I continually long for

Uses "long for" to express a deep yearning, adding emotional intensity.

I perpetually yearn for

Uses "yearn" to express a deep and persistent longing.

It is my constant desire

Shifts to a more formal tone, emphasizing the unwavering nature of the wish.

I persistently dream of

Presents the wish as a recurring dream or aspiration.

I habitually crave

Employs "crave" to suggest a strong, almost addictive desire.

My recurring thought is that

Focuses on the mental aspect, framing the wish as a recurring thought.

FAQs

How can I use "I always wish" in a sentence?

Use "I always wish" to express a recurring desire or regret. For example, "I always wish I had studied harder in college" or "I always wish I could travel more."

What are some alternatives to "I always wish"?

You can use phrases like "I often desire", "I consistently hope", or "I find myself wishing depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "I always wish" formal or informal?

"I always wish" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives.

What's the difference between "I wish" and "I always wish"?

"I wish" expresses a general desire or regret, while "I always wish" indicates that the desire or regret is recurring or habitual.