I sure wish

USAGE SUMMARY

"I sure wish" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to express a desire or a wish about something. For example: "I sure wish I could have a better job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

I sure wish I could have paid for it.

The New York Times

It's a conversation I sure wish I had had earlier.

The New York Times

"I sure wish I had more of them," said Magnante, an American.

The New York Times - Sports

I sure wish we could have this one but there may be more".

The New York Times

Boy, I sure wish my life were more like the movies.

The New Yorker

"I sure wish I could show you a 'before' picture," she said regretfully.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"I'll say this, though—I wanted out pretty bad, and in '69 and '70, when I looked at those guards carrying those keys, I sure wished I had them".

Vice

"There's a plane flying over my head I sure do wish I was on it.

The Guardian - Travel

[Sigh.] I sure do wish I could afford 'em all.

TechCrunch

I sure do wish there was some way I could add additional storage.

TechCrunch

I'm stuck with Comcast, for better or worse, but I sure do wish I had Verizon.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience; while generally acceptable, more formal situations might benefit from a slightly more polished alternative.

Common error

While "I sure wish" is widely understood and accepted, using it in highly formal contexts such as academic papers or legal documents may be inappropriate. Opt for alternatives like "I earnestly hope" or "It is my sincere desire" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I sure wish" functions as an expression of desire or regret. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used. It introduces a statement indicating something the speaker wants or regrets not having.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I sure wish" is a commonly used phrase to express a strong desire or regret, as Ludwig AI confirms. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it's most appropriate in neutral to informal contexts and less suitable for highly formal writing. Its communicative purpose centers around conveying a personal longing or regret. For alternative expressions, consider "I really wish", "if only", or "how I wish" to maintain the sentiment with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I really wish

Emphasizes the intensity of the wish.

How I wish

Emphasizes the speaker's strong desire.

If only

Expresses a wistful regret about a past event or present situation.

I find myself wishing

Highlights the repetitive nature of the wish.

I truly desire

More formal and highlights the yearning.

I yearn for

Evokes a deep and persistent longing.

I long for

Poetic and emphasizes the duration of the desire.

I crave

Implies a strong need or desire, often physical.

I'm hoping for

Focuses on the expectation and anticipation of the wish being fulfilled.

It would be great if

Suggests a less intense, more casual wish.

FAQs

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

Use "I sure wish" to express a strong desire or regret. For example, "I sure wish I had studied harder for that exam" or "I sure wish I could travel the world".

What are some alternatives to "I sure wish"?

You can use alternatives like "I really wish", "if only", or "how I wish" depending on the context.

Is "I sure wish" too informal for professional communication?

While generally acceptable, "I sure wish" is often perceived as informal. In professional settings, consider using alternatives like "I earnestly hope" or "It is my sincere desire" to maintain a more formal tone.

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

Adding "sure" to "I wish" intensifies the feeling of longing or regret. "I sure wish" conveys a stronger sense of desire than simply saying "I wish".