I desperately wish

USAGE SUMMARY

"I desperately wish" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express a strong desire or longing for something, especially in conversation or in writing. For example, "I desperately wish I could travel the world and see all the sights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"I desperately wish to be a cowboy," Faucher concluded.

The New Yorker

It carries an important message, and I desperately wish I liked it more.

The New York Times - Books

And I desperately wish we'd been able to design a public employment program that could have directly hired many unemployed workers, especially young people.

The New York Times

"To tell you the truth, I desperately wish that I had the courage as a teenage girl to accept and welcome my child into this world," she wrote.

The Guardian - Opinion

In fact, on days like Dec. 26, I desperately wish that a return-friendly company like Lands Endd sold all categories of gift merchandise -- from books to computers to electric toothbrushes -- so I could shop there exclusively and avoid the hassles of more restrictive policies.

The New York Times - Tech

I desperately wish I was kidding.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

I desperately wished we had been allowed our webcast, that the RIAA would set aside their objection to it for 40 minutes while a profoundly eloquent speaker spoke the beauty of his deepest convictions.

The Guardian - Music

The one idea I desperately wished I could convey to him was, "We are helping you.

Huffington Post

Before our son, the Juban Princeling, was born, his father and I desperately wished for a daughter.

Huffington Post

The film's first half is so agonizingly difficult to sit through I desperately wished I were anywhere else, while its unexpectedly affecting second half so completely turned me around there was nowhere else I'd rather have been than right in the moment with this singular film.

Los Angeles Times

I'm a little envious of people who can just hop up and go to any gym they want but I also love seeing people use their bodies; taking advantage of the mobility I so desperately wish I had.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I desperately wish", consider the context and ensure the intensity of the phrase aligns with the overall tone of your writing; it's best suited for scenarios involving significant emotional weight.

Common error

Avoid using "I desperately wish" in formal or professional settings where a more objective or restrained tone is expected. Opt for phrases like "I hope" or "It is my sincere desire" for better appropriateness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I desperately wish" functions as an expression of intense desire or longing. It typically introduces a statement about something the speaker strongly wants or regrets not having. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Huffington Post

15%

The Guardian

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Forbes

2%

Vice

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I desperately wish" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey a strong desire or longing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correctly used in English, primarily within news and media contexts. While "I desperately wish" is effective for expressing intense emotions, it is best suited for informal or neutral settings rather than formal or professional ones. For conveying a similar sentiment, consider alternatives like "I really wish" or "I sincerely hope" when a less emphatic tone is appropriate. The phrase's infrequent usage suggests it should be employed judiciously to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I wish with all my heart

Emphasizes the sincerity and depth of the wish.

I desperately want

Focuses on the wanting aspect with a sense of urgency.

I deeply regret

Emphasizes a sense of sorrow or remorse over a past action or situation.

I strongly desire

Highlights a powerful longing or aspiration for something.

If only I could

Expresses a wish with a hint of impossibility or regret.

I yearn intensely

Expresses a deep, often melancholic, longing.

I have a burning desire

Highlights the intensity and passion behind the wish.

I crave intensely

Suggests a strong need or desire, often physical or emotional.

I long for earnestly

Implies a sincere and heartfelt desire.

I am dying to

Conveys extreme eagerness and excitement.

FAQs

What does "I desperately wish" mean?

The phrase "I desperately wish" expresses a very strong desire or longing for something, often tinged with a sense of urgency or perhaps even regret that the wish may not be fulfilled.

When is it appropriate to use "I desperately wish"?

It is appropriate in personal narratives, fiction, or situations where you want to convey intense emotion. However, it might be too strong for formal or professional communication.

Are there alternatives to "I desperately wish" that sound less intense?

Yes, alternatives like "I really wish", "I sincerely hope", or "I long for" can be used when a less emphatic tone is desired.

How does "I desperately wish" differ from "I hope"?

"I hope" expresses a general desire or expectation, while "I desperately wish" conveys a much stronger, more intense longing, often with a sense of urgency or emotional weight.