do not wish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not wish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a lack of desire or preference regarding something. Example: "I do not wish to participate in the event this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I do not wish to know.

The New Yorker

They do not wish us well".

The New York Times

I do not wish to presume.

The New Yorker

I certainly do not wish them ill".

The New York Times

I do not wish that for anyone.

The New York Times

Egypt's generals do not wish to govern.

The New York Times

I do not wish that for Venezuela.

The Guardian - Opinion

I do not wish to be alarmist.

The Washington Post

I do not wish to leave.

The New York Times - Arts

We do not wish them on anyone.

The Guardian

I do not wish for sympathy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for simplicity or informality, use "do not want". It is more direct and easier to understand.

Common error

Avoid using "do not wish" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted. Simpler alternatives like "don't want" or "don't feel like it" are often more appropriate and natural in these situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not wish" primarily functions as a negative verb phrase, expressing a lack of desire, intention, or preference. As Ludwig confirms, it's a standard way to convey something you don't want to happen or something you don't want to do. The examples show its use across various contexts, from personal statements to formal declarations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do not wish" is a versatile phrase used to express a lack of desire or preference, with Ludwig confirming its grammatical correctness and usability. While "do not wish" is suitable for various contexts, it's particularly effective in professional, literary, or formal communication. The phrase sees frequent use across news, academic, and scientific domains, according to the available examples. For less formal settings, simpler alternatives like "do not want" might be more appropriate. Remembering these nuances can help you communicate more effectively in different situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not want

Direct replacement for expressing a lack of desire.

have no desire

Emphasizes the absence of wanting something.

prefer not to

Indicates a preference against a particular action or situation.

would rather not

Expresses a preference for avoiding something.

do not desire

A more formal way of saying "do not want".

am unwilling to

Highlights a lack of willingness to do something.

refrain from

Indicates a conscious decision to avoid something.

decline to

Formally refuse to do something.

reject the idea of

Expresses opposition to a specific concept or action.

have no intention of

States a lack of intent to do something.

FAQs

How to use "do not wish" in a sentence?

The phrase "do not wish" is used to express a lack of desire or preference. For example, "I do not wish to participate in the meeting" or "We do not wish to cause any trouble".

What can I say instead of "do not wish"?

You can use alternatives like "do not want", "prefer not to", or "would rather not" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "do not wish" or "don't wish"?

"Do not wish" is the full form, while "don't wish" is a contraction. Both are grammatically correct, but "do not wish" is more formal.

What's the difference between "do not wish" and "do not want"?

"Do not wish" is generally considered more formal and polite than "do not want". The choice depends on the tone and context of your writing or speech.