I wish to ask

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I wish to ask" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a desire to pose a question or seek information politely. Example: "I wish to ask about the timeline for the project completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I wish to ask the far more disturbing question: why do Americans lose at basketball?

The Guardian - Sport

I wish to ask that the BBC do not discard the websites.

BBC

I wish to ask the Commissioner to convey to the Commission and to Commissioner Nielson, in particular, my, indeed our, deep surprise at the explanation that we have been given here.

EU Parlament

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Later, I wished to ask him what happened, but I could not find him.

The Guardian - Film

Schapiro wrote: "He asked me what questions I wished to ask …, whether I had a questionnaire -as if I were a journalist.

Columbia University

And it was this unexpected turning of the tables, this swerve into the theatre of the absurd, that I wished to ask Soyinka about.

The New Yorker

We had been together at Princeton now for three days straight, and there were still many questions that I wished to ask, and that I hoped he might answer.

The New Yorker

Can you help me work out questions that I may wish to ask my other doctors/specialists? Can you give me advice about treatment decisions that I am discussing with other doctors?

British Journal of Cancer

Is there nothing you wish to ask arising from Dr. Merkel's cross-examination, Dr. Seidl?

Yale University

One might wish to ask: Isn't it impossible that there exists an object that has the property of being blue as its sole property?

SEP

THE PRESIDENT: I told you if you wish to ask any questions, you must ask them through Dr. Stahmer.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. In casual conversations, "I want to ask" or "I'd like to ask" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "I wish to ask" in casual conversations or informal writing. It may sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more natural phrasing like "I want to ask".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I wish to ask" functions as an infinitive phrase that introduces a question or request. It serves to politely and formally indicate the speaker's desire to inquire about something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I wish to ask" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, albeit less frequent in modern English. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's best suited for formal contexts where politeness is prioritized. While it surfaces in various domains like News & Media, Academia, and Science, its usage remains infrequent. For casual settings, alternatives like "I want to ask" or "I'd like to ask" are generally more suitable. Remember to use "I wish to ask" when formality matters, but opt for simpler phrasing in everyday conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I would like to ask

More common and slightly less formal alternative.

I'd like to ask

Contraction of 'I would like to ask', even less formal.

I want to ask

Direct and less formal.

I was wondering if I could ask

More tentative and polite.

May I ask

Very formal and direct.

Could I ask

Polite and common way to introduce a question.

I am curious to know

Indirect way of expressing a desire to ask.

I have a question about

States intention to ask, without directly asking.

I'm wondering

Informal and implies a question.

I'd be grateful if you could tell me

Polite request, emphasizing gratitude for information.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "I wish to ask"?

The phrase "I wish to ask" is best used in formal or semi-formal contexts where politeness and a degree of deference are desired. This could include professional emails, formal meetings, or when addressing someone in authority.

What are some alternatives to "I wish to ask"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "I would like to ask", "I want to ask", or "May I ask".

Is "I wish to ask" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "I wish to ask" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "I want to ask" or "Can I ask" are usually more appropriate.

How does "I wish to ask" differ from "I wanted to ask"?

"I wish to ask" expresses a current desire to ask something, whereas "I wanted to ask" refers to a past intention. Use "I wish to ask" when you are about to ask a question and "I wanted to ask" when referring to a question you intended to ask earlier but didn't.