I wish either

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I wish either" is not correct and does not convey a complete thought in written English.
It is typically used when expressing a desire for one of two options, but it needs to be followed by a more complete structure to make sense. Example: "I wish either you would come to the party or you would let me know why you can't."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I wish either to be considered as a Teacher, or as nothing," he wrote, and it was his teaching that his readers cherished so highly.

The New Yorker

Admittedly the eponymous narrator starts at the very beginning - "I wish either my father or my mother, or indeed both of them, as they were in duty both equally bound to it, had minded what they were about when they begot me" – but all quickly goes to pot.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I just wish either one of us just had more data right now.

BBC

"I wish they would either supply the drug for free or allow India or Brazil to produce it cheaply for underdeveloped countries.

The New York Times

I wish him luck either way, and it's sort of a relief when I get down the road, encountering Kirst and Rich, who are hugging pints and each other outside a pub.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I wish I had written either of those, but I didn't.

The New Yorker

(C.I.A., by the way, stands for Culinary Institute of America, and I wish I could put either of the C.I.A.'s in front of my name).

The New York Times

It ends with a romantic flourish: "I wish that I was either in your arms full of faith or that a thunderbolt would strike me".

The New York Times

I wish The Times would either discard its pretense of objectivity or more fully edit writers like Bai.

The New York Times - Magazine

I wish History wouldn't remember either of them.

The New Yorker

"At no time did I wish to attack or insult either you or other employees of the military attaché's office," Mr. Steiner wrote.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the phrase "I wish either" is always followed by a complete and grammatically correct clause that presents two distinct options. For example: "I wish either you would tell me the truth, or remain silent forever."

Common error

Avoid using "I wish either" without clearly specifying the two alternatives you are referring to. This phrase requires a complete structure to convey its intended meaning effectively, otherwise, the phrase will sound incomplete.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I wish either" functions as an incomplete expression of desire or preference. It sets up an expectation for two alternative options to follow, expressing a longing or hope for one of them. According to Ludwig, the phrase needs further completion to convey a comprehensive meaning.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I wish either" is grammatically questionable without a clearly stated set of alternatives. Ludwig indicates that this is an incomplete thought. Although it appears in credible news and media sources, it requires more context to make sense. For better clarity, consider using alternatives such as "I hope either" or rephrasing to specify the preferred outcome directly. Always ensure that the two options are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I hope either

Replaces "wish" with "hope" to express a desire with a degree of expectation, rather than regret or longing.

I desire either

Substitutes "wish" with "desire" to emphasize a strong feeling of wanting something.

I long for either

Uses "long for" instead of "wish" to convey a deep yearning or strong desire for one of two options.

I yearn for either

Similar to "long for", this emphasizes a profound feeling of wanting either of the options.

I'd prefer either

Emphasizes a preference for one of two options, rather than a wish or desire.

I'd like either

Expresses a polite request or preference, rather than a strong wish.

I want either

Expresses a direct and simple desire for one of the two options.

I crave either

Implies a strong and intense desire, bordering on need, for one of two options.

I hanker after either

Suggests a persistent and somewhat wistful desire.

I hunger for either

Emphasizes a fundamental need or deep desire.

FAQs

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

The phrase "I wish either" should be followed by a complete clause offering two alternatives. For example: "I wish either you would come with me or stay home".

What is a better way to express "I wish either"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "I hope either", "I'd prefer either" or "I'd like either".

Is "I wish either" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "I wish either" is grammatically incorrect and requires a complete structure to make sense. It's more correct to use phrases like "I wish one of" or "I hope either".

What does "I wish either" mean?

The phrase expresses a desire for one of two options to occur or be true, but it needs to be followed by the options to complete the thought. It's typically used to express a hope or longing for something specific.