I wish this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I wish this" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire or longing for a specific situation or outcome. Example: "I wish this could last forever, but I know that all good things must come to an end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I wish this song would never end.

The New Yorker

I wish this debate would return.

The New York Times - Arts

How I wish this were true.

The Guardian - Money

I wish this was a Killers record.

The Guardian - Music

I wish this had never happened.

The New York Times

"I wish this was under different circumstances.

The Guardian

I wish this were it, but, alas, it's not.

The New York Times - Books

"I wish this weren't my reality," he told me.

The New Yorker

"I wish this was the proper thing," Darren said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I wish this year's cohort every success in their training.

The Guardian

I wish this week was an anomaly.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I wish this", consider the tense and aspect of the verb in the clause that follows. For example, "I wish this were true" (subjunctive mood) expresses a desire for something that is currently false.

Common error

Avoid using the present simple tense after "I wish this" when expressing a desire for something different from the present reality. For example, instead of saying "I wish this is true", use "I wish this were true" (subjunctive mood).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I wish this" primarily functions as an expression of desire or longing. It sets the stage for a statement indicating something the speaker wants to be true or to happen, often implying that the current situation is not ideal. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a common expression used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I wish this" is a versatile phrase used to express a desire, hope, or longing for something, often in contrast to the current reality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating its relevance in expressing sentiments about current events and situations. While it carries a neutral register, it’s important to use the correct tense and mood in the following clause to accurately convey the intended meaning. Consider alternatives like "I hope for this" or "I desire this" for subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I desire this

Expresses a strong feeling of wanting something; slightly more formal.

I long for this

Conveys a deep yearning or strong desire for something.

I hope for this

Indicates a desire with an expectation of fulfillment; less intense than "wish".

I crave this

Suggests a powerful and intense desire, often for something specific.

It is my hope that this

A more formal way of expressing a wish, emphasizing the personal hope.

My desire is for this

Highlights the desire itself as the main subject of the sentence; more emphatic.

I yearn for this

Expresses a tender and persistent longing.

I would like this

A polite and somewhat less intense way of expressing a desire.

I covet this

Implies wanting something that belongs to someone else; carries a sense of envy.

I am eager for this

Expresses enthusiasm and anticipation about something desired.

FAQs

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

You can use "I wish this" to express a desire for a different situation. For instance, "I wish this was over" expresses a desire for something to end. It's often followed by a clause expressing the desired state.

What are some alternatives to "I wish this"?

Alternatives include phrases like "I hope for this", "I desire this", or "I long for this", each carrying slightly different connotations of desire and expectation.

Is it correct to say "I wish this will happen"?

It's generally more grammatically correct to use the subjunctive mood or a conditional construction. Instead of "I wish this will happen", consider saying "I wish this would happen" or "I hope this will happen", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

"I wish this" typically expresses a desire for something that is unlikely or contrary to the current reality, while "I hope this" expresses a desire with a reasonable expectation of fulfillment. The former implies a stronger sense of longing or regret.