I really wish

USAGE SUMMARY

"I really wish" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express a strong desire for something. For example: "I really wish I could go to the beach this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Although I really wish to".

The New Yorker

I really wish I hadn't.

The New Yorker

I really wish it were.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I really wish more could.

The New York Times - Health

"I really wish them luck," she said.

The New Yorker

I really wish we had talked.

The New York Times

"I really wish he could be pope.

The New York Times

"I really wish I had done something.

The New York Times

I really wish I had been there.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I really wish that there were.

The Washington Post

I really wish he hadn't been president.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I really wish" to express a strong desire or regret, but consider the context to ensure the tone is appropriate. In formal settings, consider alternatives like "I sincerely wish".

Common error

Avoid overuse of "I really wish" in highly formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound less professional than alternatives such as "I sincerely hope" or "It is my earnest desire".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I really wish" functions as an expression of desire or regret. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard construction to indicate something that one strongly wants to be true or to have happened. Examples range from expressing regret about past actions to desires for future events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I really wish" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong desire or regret. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While generally neutral in tone, its formality can be adjusted with alternative phrases like "I sincerely wish" for more formal contexts. Remember to consider your audience and context when choosing this phrase to ensure the desired impact. As Ludwig examples show, it appears most frequently in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I earnestly wish

Emphasizes sincerity and seriousness in the wish, making it more formal.

I sincerely wish

Indicates a genuine and heartfelt desire, often used in formal contexts.

I genuinely wish

Highlights the authenticity of the wish, suggesting it comes from the heart.

I truly desire

Replaces "wish" with "desire" to convey a strong feeling of wanting something.

I long for

Expresses a deep and persistent yearning for something, often associated with nostalgia.

I yearn for

Similar to "I long for", but carries a slightly more melancholic tone.

I crave

Implies an intense and urgent desire, often for something specific.

I hunger for

Uses "hunger" metaphorically to express a strong need or desire.

I'm dying to

Emphasizes eagerness and impatience to do or have something.

If only I could

Highlights the impossibility or difficulty of fulfilling the wish.

FAQs

What does "I really wish" mean?

It means that you strongly desire something to be true or to happen. It often implies regret that the desired outcome is not currently the case.

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

You can use it to express a desire for something different in the present or past, such as "I really wish I had studied harder" or "I really wish it would stop raining".

What can I say instead of "I really wish"?

You can use alternatives like "I sincerely wish", "I earnestly wish", or "If only" depending on the context.

Is "I really wish" formal or informal?

It is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain situations.