I wish for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I wish for' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when expressing a desire for something in the present or future. For example, you might say "I wish for a better future for all humanity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I wish for a pony.

The New Yorker

I wish for a Nintendo.

The New Yorker

I wish for it now".

The New York Times - Sports

I wish for nothing.

The Guardian

I wish for a dog instead.

The New Yorker

I wish for unity, and peace.

Independent

I wish for justice to be established.

The New York Times

What if I wish for more wishes?

The New Yorker

I wish for Fatah's return.

The New York Times

I wish for an ordinary, normal life.

The Guardian

Well, I wish for a socialist government!

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I wish for" to express a heartfelt desire or hope, especially when the outcome is uncertain or dependent on external factors.

Common error

In professional or academic writing, avoid overuse of "I wish for". Opt for more formal alternatives like "I hope that" or "It is my hope that" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

Expressing a desire or hope. "I wish for" functions as a verb phrase used to articulate a longing or aspiration. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently employed to communicate what one wants or hopes to achieve. Examples show this in contexts ranging from personal desires to broader societal hopes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I wish for" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for conveying personal desires or hopes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, from casual to professional, though it’s best to avoid overuse in highly formal writing. With its prevalence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it maintains a credible standing in English communication. When choosing alternatives, consider the nuances of phrases like "I hope for" or "I desire" to best match your intended meaning. Keep in mind the register of your writing; while versatile, more formal options may suit professional or academic contexts better.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

My wish is

Rephrases the wish as a statement of intention.

I am wishing for

Adds a sense of immediacy and ongoing desire.

I hope for

Emphasizes hope or anticipation rather than a direct wish.

What I desire is

Emphasizes the object of the desire.

I am hopeful for

Highlights a positive expectation of a future event or outcome.

I desire

More formal and intense expression of wanting something.

I'm hoping for

Short version of 'I am hoping for'.

I long for

Indicates a deep yearning or persistent desire.

It is my hope that

Formally expresses a desired outcome or situation.

I aspire to

Focuses on achieving a specific goal through effort.

FAQs

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

"I wish for" is used to express a desire or hope for something. For example, "I wish for peace" or "I wish for a better future".

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

You can use alternatives like "I hope for", "I desire", or "My wish is" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I wish for you"?

Yes, it's correct. You can say "I wish for you" followed by what you desire for that person, such as "I wish for you happiness" or "I wish for you success".

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

"I wish for" often implies a stronger desire or less certainty of fulfillment, while "I hope for" suggests a positive expectation or anticipation.