I wished that

USAGE SUMMARY

"I wished that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a wish or desire. For example: "I wished that I had studied harder for the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

I wished that past acquaintance could see Mr. Grumpy now.

The New York Times

But he quickly added: "I didn't say I wished that".

The Guardian

I wished that doctor had tried to call me before ordering the scan, but what's done was done.

The New York Times

I wished that I could see Chevé through her eyes.

The New Yorker

I wished that Thomas were there to see it all.

The New Yorker

I wished that we would stay together, and we have.

The New York Times

But I wished that some might stay there, permanent.

The New Yorker

I wished that he would come and see me.

The New Yorker

And then I wished that I didn't know what I had come to know.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I wished that the Snuggie came with something to fasten it, like a tie or a zipper.

The New York Times

I wished that she would not go there, but I knew that nobody can prevent fate.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I wished that" to express a desire for a different outcome, often reflecting on past events or unrealized possibilities. Ensure the tense in the 'that' clause reflects the time frame you are referring to, such as using the past perfect for actions in the past.

Common error

Avoid using the present simple tense after "I wished that" when referring to a past event. Instead of saying "I wished that I go", use "I wished that I had gone" to correctly express the desire for a different past action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I wished that" functions as a clause introducer expressing a desire, regret, or longing for a different situation or outcome. Ludwig confirms that it's grammatically correct. It sets the stage for a subordinate clause detailing the specific wish.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I wished that" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a desire, regret, or longing for a different outcome. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, mainly appearing in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that the tense of the following clause aligns with the intended time frame, typically reflecting past events or unrealized possibilities. Alternatives like "I hoped that" or "If only I had" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

My wish was that

A more formal way to state a wish, often used when emphasizing the importance of the desire.

It was my hope that

A formal and emphatic way of stating a hope or desire, often used in writing.

I hoped that

Expresses a desire for something with a sense of anticipation, slightly different from a wish which often implies something unfulfilled.

I had hoped that

Similar to "I hoped that" but with a stronger sense of past expectation.

I desired that

Indicates a strong feeling of wanting something, emphasizing the intensity of the longing.

I'd have liked that

Expresses a mild regret that something did not happen or was not the case.

I longed for

Conveys a deep and persistent yearning, often for something unattainable or lost.

I yearned for

Highlights a strong and emotional desire for something, often implying a sense of sadness.

If only I had

Expresses regret over a past action or inaction, focusing on what could have been.

I craved that

Implies a strong and urgent desire, often for something immediate or necessary.

FAQs

How do I use "I wished that" in a sentence?

Use "I wished that" to express a desire for something that is not currently true or to express regret about something that has already happened. For example, "I wished that I had studied harder" expresses regret, while "I wished that it would stop raining" expresses a current desire.

What can I say instead of "I wished that"?

You can use alternatives like "I hoped that", "If only I had", or "My wish was that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I wish that" instead of "I wished that"?

"I wish that" expresses a current desire, while "I wished that" usually refers to a past unrealized desire or regret. The choice depends on whether you're talking about a current or past situation.

What's the difference between "I wished that" and "I had hoped that"?

"I wished that" often implies a stronger sense of regret or unlikelihood of the desire being fulfilled, whereas "I had hoped that" suggests a past expectation that was not met, without necessarily implying strong regret.