always wished for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "always wished for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a long-standing desire or longing for something that one has hoped to attain or experience. Example: "She has always wished for a chance to travel the world and explore new cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

John always wished for whatever Marcia wished for.

The New Yorker

"I always wished for one more room," Mr. Pool said.

The New York Times

It's something I always wished for and now I'm here doing it.

Independent

This was the prom you always wished for because people genuinely liked each other.

The Guardian - Music

My body's pretty good (for my age), but I always wished for a different face.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I think we now have the role we always wished for".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

"I always wish for a 'no' every day," Merritt said.

The New York Times

Maire, although old and sick, is always wishing for things.

The New Yorker

"We can always wish for different things, but I'm really happy with what's  happened in my career.

The New York Times

As a longtime MacBook Air fan, I'll always wish for any laptop computer to be lighter and thinner.

The New York Times - Tech

New York City is a place of real-estate envy, of coveting thy neighbor's town house, of always wishing for another room.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "always wished for" with strong verbs or evocative imagery to create a more impactful statement of desire. For instance, instead of "I always wished for a car", try "I always wished for the freedom a car could bring".

Common error

Avoid using "always wished for" when referring to a fleeting or recent desire. The phrase implies a long-standing aspiration, so ensure the context aligns with a prolonged timeframe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "always wished for" functions as a past participle phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes a desire or aspiration that has been present for a significant period. Ludwig confirms that this usage is grammatically sound and common.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "always wished for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey a long-held desire or aspiration. As Ludwig confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media, and can add emotional depth to your writing. While alternatives like "longed for" or "dreamed of" exist, "always wished for" effectively emphasizes the enduring nature of the wish. Be mindful of the timeframe and ensure it aligns with the phrase's implication of a persistent desire to avoid scope errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

longed for

Emphasizes a strong, persistent yearning.

always desired

Highlights a continuous and strong want.

dreamed of

Focuses on aspirations and fantasies.

hoped for

Implies expectation and anticipation.

yearned for

Suggests a deep emotional longing.

aspired to

Indicates a goal-oriented ambition.

craved for

Emphasizes a strong and often physical desire.

hankered after

Suggests a nostalgic longing.

had a yen for

Informal way to express a craving.

set one's heart on

Highlights a determined desire.

FAQs

How can I use "always wished for" in a sentence?

You can use "always wished for" to express a long-held desire or dream, as in "She has "always wished for" a chance to travel the world."

What are some alternatives to "always wished for"?

Alternatives include "always desired", "longed for", or "dreamed of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "always wished for"?

Yes, "always wished for" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a desire that has persisted over time.

What's the difference between "always wished for" and "hoped for"?

"Always wished for" suggests a deeper, more persistent longing than "hoped for", which can imply a more immediate or attainable expectation.