I wish to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I wish to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a desire or intention to do something. Example: "I wish to travel to Europe next summer to explore its rich history and culture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I wish to examine this point further.

The New York Times

Nor do I wish to buy any.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I wish to kiss it".

The New York Times

"I wish to raise a row".

The New Yorker

However, I wish to offer some comments.

The New York Times

"I wish to God I heard something.

The New York Times

"I wish to have that dream again".

The New York Times

"I wish to teach in your school.

The New Yorker

I wish to apologize to all concerned.

The New York Times

I am, as a writer, whatever I wish to become.

The New York Times

While mourning my father's death, I wish to speak up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I wish to", ensure that the verb following "to" is in its base form (e.g., "I wish to apply", not "I wish to applying").

Common error

Avoid using "I wish to" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted in such contexts. Instead, use phrases like "I want to" or "I'd like to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I wish to" functions as a declarative expression of desire or intention. It sets a tone of politeness and formality. Ludwig examples show the use of this phrase to introduce a statement of purpose or a request.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I wish to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey a desire or intention, as validated by Ludwig. It typically functions as a polite and formal way to introduce a statement of purpose or request, often found in professional and academic settings. While versatile, it is essential to avoid using it in overly casual contexts where it might sound stilted. Alternatives like "I would like to" or "I want to" may be more appropriate for informal conversations. Ludwig's analysis shows its prevalence in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, reinforcing its formal register. Remember to use the base form of the verb after "to" for grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I would like to

This alternative is a more polite and slightly more formal way of expressing a wish or desire.

It is my wish to

This alternative is a more emphatic and slightly formal way to express your wish.

I want to

This alternative is a more direct and less formal way to express a wish or desire.

My desire is to

This alternative is a formal and emphatic way to express your wish or desire.

I desire to

This alternative is a more formal and emphatic way to express a wish or desire.

I intend to

This alternative expresses a firm intention or plan to do something.

I hope to

This alternative expresses a wish or expectation that something will happen or be done.

I aim to

This alternative suggests a specific goal or target that one is trying to achieve.

I aspire to

This alternative conveys a strong ambition or long-term goal.

I am eager to

This alternative indicates a strong enthusiasm and anticipation for something.

FAQs

What is the difference between "I wish to" and "I want to"?

"I wish to" is generally more formal and polite than "I want to". Use "I wish to" in professional or formal settings, while "I want to" is suitable for casual situations. For example, you might say "I wish to apply for this position" in a cover letter, but "I want to go to the park" when speaking with a friend.

What are some alternatives to "I wish to"?

You can use alternatives like "I would like to", "I desire to", or "I intend to" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I wish to"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "I wish to" is a common and accepted phrase in English, used to express a desire or intention. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly valid.

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

Use "I wish to" followed by a verb in its base form. For example, "I wish to express my gratitude", "I wish to learn more about this topic", or "I wish to contribute to this project".