I wish

USAGE SUMMARY

"I wish" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an expression of desire or hope. For example: "I wish I could win the lottery this week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I wish, I wish".

The New York Times - Sports

"I wish I had".

The New York Times - Sports

Oh, I wish.

Independent

I wish them well.

The New York Times - Arts

I wish there was.

Independent

I wish I could".

The New York Times

I wish her well".

Independent

I wish he would.

The New Yorker

"I wish I was.

The New York Times

Yeah, I wish that".

The New York Times

I wish you dead.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "I wish" with a subjunctive verb form to properly convey a hypothetical or unreal condition. For instance, "I wish I were taller" is grammatically correct.

Common error

Avoid using the indicative mood after "I wish" when expressing a hypothetical situation. Instead of saying "I wish I am taller", use the subjunctive "I wish I were taller".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I wish" primarily functions as an expression of desire, regret, or longing. It introduces a clause that describes a state of affairs that the speaker would like to be true, but currently is not. As shown in Ludwig, it's a versatile construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I wish" is a versatile phrase used to express desires, regrets, or longings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It's important to use the subjunctive mood correctly after "I wish" for formal contexts. The phrase is commonly found in news media, and its purpose is to communicate personal feelings about a current situation. Remember to avoid common errors like using the indicative mood incorrectly. With its range of related phrases like "if only" and "I hope", you can diversify your expressions while maintaining the sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

If only

Functions similarly to "I wish" in expressing regret or a desire for something to be different, but it is more concise.

I desire

Expresses a more formal and intense form of wanting something compared to the simpler "I wish".

Would that

An archaic expression synonymous with "I wish", often used in literary or formal contexts.

I long for

Implies a deep yearning or persistent desire for something, adding an emotional weight absent in "I wish".

I yearn

Similar to "I long for", it conveys a strong feeling of wanting something, typically something unattainable.

I hope

Expresses a feeling of optimism about a future event, differing from "I wish" which can also imply regret about the past.

I dream of

Suggests a fantastical or ideal desire, often used for things that are unlikely or far off.

I crave

Denotes a strong and urgent desire or need, often for something specific and immediate, which is more intense than a simple wish.

I aspire to

Indicates a goal-oriented desire, suggesting a plan or effort to achieve something, which is different from simply wishing.

I'd like

Offers a more polite or gentle expression of desire, often used when making requests or expressing preferences in a social setting.

FAQs

How do I use "I wish" in a sentence?

"I wish" is used to express a desire for something that is not currently true or possible, or to express regret. For example, "I wish I could fly" or "I wish I hadn't said that".

What can I say instead of "I wish"?

Alternatives to "I wish" include phrases like "if only", "I hope", or "I desire", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "I wish I was" or "I wish I were"?

While "I wish I was" is commonly used in informal contexts, "I wish I were" is grammatically more correct, especially in formal writing, as it uses the subjunctive mood to express a hypothetical situation.

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

"I wish" typically expresses a desire for something unlikely or impossible or regrets about the past, while "I hope" expresses a feeling of optimism or anticipation about something that is possible in the future.