I wished to write

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I wished to write" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or intention to write something in the past. Example: "When I was younger, I wished to write a novel that would inspire others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"I realised that if I wished to write about the dark and not allow for hope, people would recognise it as false – because hope is the nub of what we are.

The Guardian - Books

I wished to write in the voices of women and men, in the voice of an ageing immigrant and the voice of a young girl about to enter adulthood.

The Guardian - Books

At the end of the 1980s, I consulted him about an idea for a song cycle I wished to write – not just a collection of settings of poems that I could have chosen myself, but some kind of a monodrama.

The Guardian - Books

At the outset, my main worry had to do with this very possibility the potential that the corporate sponsors might try to censor what I wished to write.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

I wish to write about my life partly as stories representative of any ordinary woman.

The Guardian - Books

"There are no distractions; in the end all that stands between me and writing the book I wish to write is my own mediocrity and complete lack of talent," he says.

The New Yorker

I wish to write a grant for my postdoctoral research on using neural stem cells for the treatment of stroke.

Science Magazine

"If you wish to write back, I would be honored to correspond with you," he said.

The New Yorker

Many of us wish to write.

The Guardian - Opinion

You may wish to write a novel.

WikiHow

Figure out what way you wish to write your novel.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I wished to write" when expressing a past intention or desire that may not have been fulfilled. For example, "I wished to write a novel, but life got in the way."

Common error

Avoid using "I wished to write" to describe a current desire or intention. Instead, use "I wish to write" for present desires.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I wished to write" functions as an expression of a past desire or intention. It reflects a longing or hope that existed at some point in the past. Ludwig provides examples that illustrate its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I wished to write" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for conveying a past desire or intention to write. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Although not overly common, the phrase appears in diverse sources, including news, science, and wiki articles. Alternative phrases like "I desired to write" or "I longed to write" can offer slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, ensure that the tense aligns with the intended meaning, distinguishing it from the present tense "I wish to write".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I desired to write

Replaces "wished" with "desired", maintaining a formal tone and similar meaning.

I longed to write

Substitutes "wished" with "longed", conveying a stronger sense of yearning.

I had the desire to write

Restructures the sentence to emphasize the desire itself.

I had hoped to write

Uses "hoped" instead of "wished", indicating a desire with an expectation.

I was eager to write

Replaces "wished" with "eager", suggesting enthusiasm for writing.

It was my wish to write

Changes the sentence structure, focusing on the "wish" as the subject.

My intention was to write

Emphasizes the intention to write, rather than a simple wish.

I had a strong inclination to write

Conveys a more decisive feeling towards writing.

I felt compelled to write

Suggests a sense of obligation or irresistible urge to write.

I was inclined to write

Expresses a leaning or tendency towards writing.

FAQs

What is the difference between "I wished to write" and "I wish to write"?

"I wished to write" expresses a past desire or intention, while "I wish to write" expresses a current desire. The tense indicates whether the desire is in the past or present.

What can I say instead of "I wished to write"?

Alternatives include "I desired to write", "I longed to write", or "I had hoped to write", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "I wished to write" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a past ambition, such as "When I was a child, I wished to write a book about my adventures".

Is "I wished to have written" different from "I wished to write"?

Yes. "I wished to have written" implies regret that you didn't write something in the past, while "I wished to write" simply states a past desire or intention to write.