greatest wish

USAGE SUMMARY

"greatest wish" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to express a strong desire or dream. Some examples of using "greatest wish" in a sentence are: - My greatest wish is to travel the world and experience different cultures. - Her greatest wish was to become a famous actress. - The child's greatest wish was for a puppy for Christmas. - It was always his greatest wish to make a positive impact on society. - Our greatest wish as a family is to see our children grow up happy and successful.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Therefore it's my greatest wish.

Independent

Unless getting on television was his greatest wish all along.

The New York Times - Arts

"My dad's greatest wish for me was that I play college football," Kiehl told me.

The New Yorker

He fulfilled his father's greatest wish, and became "a nice human being".

Independent

No matter how much my friends lie to you and say it was my greatest wish.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He told me that his greatest wish was to return to his country".

The Guardian

He behaves as if his greatest wish is to be ignored by the public.

The New York Times - Magazine

Through patient questioning, it came to light that his greatest wish was to live with a family.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Their greatest wish is to go to Mecca once," the man, who wished to be identified only as Abdullah, said over dinner.

The New York Times

Prof. Reich, my greatest wish is that social scientists around the world shall join you in speaking out to make the right things happen to produce an acceptable quality of life for the human race.

University of California, Berkeley

… My greatest wish is to be the first in oil painting in modern China.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, consider the tone and context. It's most effective in situations calling for earnestness or a sense of personal investment.

Common error

Avoid using "greatest wish" excessively in formal or business writing. It can sound overly sentimental. Opt for more professional alternatives like "primary goal" or "key objective".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greatest wish" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It represents a deeply felt aspiration or desire, often carrying emotional weight. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use to express personal goals, hopes for others, and longing for specific outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "greatest wish" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that expresses a profound desire or aspiration. Ludwig AI indicates that it's appropriate for various contexts, though it's advisable to avoid overuse in strictly formal writing. Alternatives such as "deepest desire" or "ultimate ambition" can offer nuanced variations. The phrase finds frequent use in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts, demonstrating its widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Deepest desire

Emphasizes the emotional intensity and depth of the wish.

Most cherished dream

Highlights the preciousness and personal value of the dream.

Biggest dream

Focuses on aspiration and life goals rather than immediate desires.

Topmost desire

Indicates a desire that is at the pinnacle of priorities.

Fondest hope

Conveys a sense of optimism and anticipation.

Highest aspiration

Focuses on reaching the peak of achievement in a particular area.

Ultimate ambition

Highlights a long-term goal requiring significant effort.

Overriding ambition

Emphasizes that ambition is the most important and meaningful.

Primary aspiration

Highlights the prioritization of one goal over others.

Heart's desire

Adds a romantic or sentimental tone to the wish.

FAQs

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

You can use "greatest wish" to express a profound desire. For example, "My greatest wish is to see my children succeed" or "Her greatest wish was to travel the world".

What are some alternatives to "greatest wish"?

Alternatives include "deepest desire", "ultimate ambition", or "heart's desire", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "greatest wish" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "greatest wish" might sound too sentimental for some formal contexts. Consider using phrases like "primary objective" or "key goal" instead.

What's the difference between "greatest wish" and "greatest hope"?

"Greatest wish" typically implies a strong desire for something to happen, while "greatest hope" suggests a more optimistic anticipation. You might have a greatest wish for peace, but a "greatest hope" that it will be achieved.