expresses a wish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expresses a wish" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's desire or hope for something to happen. Example: "In her letter, she expresses a wish for peace and understanding among all nations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Mr. Richards expresses a wish to do the same.

The New York Times

In "Nunc Dimittis," the narrator expresses a wish "to address myself to an imaginary and sympathetic listener, a kind of mythical you," and it's just that "mythical you" that the reader so often feels herself to be.

The New York Times - Books

She also expresses a wish that President Obama had acted more forcefully on what was known about Russian involvement, and she lays out a plan for how diplomatic efforts could address the North Korea nuclear crisis if the Administration were interested in pursuing such diplomacy.

The New Yorker

She also expresses a wish that President Obama had acted more forcefully on what was known about Russian involvement, and she lays out a plan for how diplomatic efforts could address the North Korea nuclear crisis — if the Administration were interested in pursuing such diplomacy.

The New Yorker

In his eleventh chapter Dewey expresses a wish to overcome what he believes to be false and antiquated psychological theories that hinder aesthetic understanding.

SEP

"I was hoping Jo would go yesterday [Wednesday] because he wants to leave the club and when a player expresses a wish to leave then the quicker you can do it the better," continued Buckle.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

He never tried nor expressed a wish to publish it.

The New Yorker

Parents have expressed a wish to be more involved in their infants' pain alleviation.

Journal of Pediatric Nursing

Kase expressed a wish to help arrange for a cessation of hostilities..

The Washington Post

No Iraqi official or ordinary citizen has expressed a wish to go to war.

The Guardian

May had previously expressed a wish to scrap the Human Rights Act altogether.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expresses a wish" when you want to clearly state that someone is communicating their desire for something, whether it's a tangible object, an event, or a state of being.

Common error

Avoid using "expresses a wish" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise language, such as "stipulates a requirement" or "establishes a condition", might be more appropriate. Consider the specific tone and purpose of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expresses a wish" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to indicate that a subject is communicating their hope or desire for something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "expresses a wish" is a grammatically sound and usable verb phrase indicating that someone is communicating their desire or hope for something. Ludwig AI confirms this. While generally neutral in register, it's most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. Alternatives like "voices a desire" or "articulates a hope" can be used for slight variations in tone or formality. Avoid using it in highly formal settings where more precise language may be preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

voices a desire

Replaces "expresses" with "voices", emphasizing the act of verbalizing the wish.

articulates a hope

Substitutes "expresses" with "articulates" and "wish" with "hope", suggesting a more formal and thoughtful expression.

conveys an aspiration

Replaces "expresses" with "conveys" and "wish" with "aspiration", indicating a strong desire or ambition.

indicates a preference

Changes "wish" to "preference", implying a choice or inclination towards something.

reveals an inclination

Uses "reveals" instead of "expresses", highlighting the disclosure of a leaning or tendency.

makes known a longing

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of the wish by using "longing" instead.

intimates a yearning

Suggests a subtle or indirect expression of a deep desire.

discloses an ambition

Similar to conveying an aspiration but focuses on revealing a specific goal.

avows a dream

Indicates a more formal or emphatic declaration of a wish or aspiration.

professes a hope

Expresses a belief or expectation, similar to articulating a hope but with a stronger affirmation.

FAQs

How can I use "expresses a wish" in a sentence?

You can use "expresses a wish" to indicate someone is communicating their desire for something. For example, "The author expresses a wish for a more peaceful world."

What can I say instead of "expresses a wish"?

You can use alternatives like "voices a desire", "articulates a hope", or "conveys an aspiration" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "expresses a wish" or "expresses a desire"?

Both "expresses a wish" and "expresses a desire" are correct and usable, although "expresses a wish" often implies a hope for something that may not be easily attainable, while "expresses a desire" can refer to something more immediate or tangible.

What's the difference between "expresses a wish" and "states a preference"?

"Expresses a wish" indicates a desire or hope, while "states a preference" implies a choice or inclination. "States a preference" suggests a selection among alternatives, whereas expressing a wish can be for something without present options.