I really wished

USAGE SUMMARY

"I really wished" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong desire or regret. For example: "I really wished I had gone to the beach today, but I had to stay and finish my school work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

What I really wished for was the courage to hit my father with the snowball.

The New Yorker

"I want ask you something". I really wished the back seats had belts.

Nature

"Look, I really wished I didn't see Wayne standing there, but what I wished isn't the issue anymore.

The New York Times - Sports

By the time I was 18, with just Teddy and Bungee and a few Airfix kits to my name, I really wished she hadn't been.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I high-fived a lot of strangers that night and let out a few periodic animal whoops, but what I really wished was for my father to be cheering with me there, too.

The New Yorker

Sakane herself recalled her first film with regret in her seventies: "I really wished to make a film about female students…I was unlucky because it was far from the film that I truly wanted" (qtd. in Ikegawa 2011, 25).

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Although I really wish to".

The New Yorker

I really wish I hadn't.

The New Yorker

"I really wish I had done something.

The New York Times

I really wish it were.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I really wish more could.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I really wished", ensure the context clearly indicates what you desired or regretted. Provide specific details to make your statement impactful.

Common error

Using "I really wished" can sound informal or overly emotional in professional or formal contexts. Opt for more direct and professional language like "I had hoped for" or "I would have preferred".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I really wished" primarily functions as an expression of regret or a strong desire for something that did not occur in the past. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

23%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I really wished" is a common phrase used to convey feelings of regret or strong desire for a past event to have unfolded differently. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable across various contexts, although it tends to be more frequent in news and media and academic settings. While versatile, it's essential to be mindful of the tone, opting for more formal alternatives like "I had hoped" in professional environments. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, writers can effectively express their emotions and intentions, as well as avoid using it in formal requests.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I truly desired

This emphasizes the intensity of the wish.

I sincerely hoped

This conveys a sense of genuine hope.

I deeply regretted

This highlights the feeling of remorse.

I earnestly longed for

This suggests a passionate and heartfelt desire.

I yearned for

This implies a strong, persistent longing.

I had hoped so much

Emphasizes the extent of the hope.

It was my fervent wish

Formal way to express the same meaning.

I wish with all my heart

Conveys deep emotion and sincerity.

If only I could have

Expresses regret about a past action.

I would have loved to

Indicates a missed opportunity.

FAQs

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

You can use "I really wished" to express regret or a strong desire for something that didn't happen. For example, "I really wished I had studied harder for the exam."

What's a more formal alternative to "I really wished"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "I had hoped" or "I would have preferred".

Is it grammatically correct to say "I really wished"?

Yes, "I really wished" is grammatically correct. It uses the past tense of "wish" and is suitable for expressing past desires or regrets.

When should I use "I really wished" instead of "I wish"?

"I really wished" is used for past events or situations you regret or desired differently, while "I wish" is generally used for present or future desires that may be possible to achieve.