how I wish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how I wish" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to express a deep desire for something. For example, "How I wish I could fly away from here."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How I wish we could.

The New York Times

How I wish that didn't ring true.

The New York Times - Books

How I wish this were true.

The Guardian - Money

How I wish it were so.

The Guardian

Oh how I wish I was making this up.

Independent

How I wish I hadn't offered Gregg this tree!

The New Yorker

How I wish I could continue without a sigh.

Independent

/ How I wish we could have spoken honestly".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Oh how I wish we had a falling, ageing population.

The Economist

God, how I wish I'd kept in touch.

The New York Times

How I wish this was ridiculously off the mark.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure to avoid monotony; consider using alternatives like "if only I could" or "I long for" to add nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "how I wish" to describe current or future events that are within your control. This phrase is best used for expressing regret or longing for something unattainable. Use "I hope" or "I plan" for achievable desires.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how I wish" functions as an expression of desire or regret. It typically introduces a clause describing something the speaker wants to be true or have happened, but acknowledges that it is unlikely or impossible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "how I wish" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a deep desire or regret, as affirmed by Ludwig. It is frequently found in News & Media, indicating its widespread use in expressive writing. While versatile, it's most effective when expressing longing for something unattainable. Remember to choose your tense carefully and consider alternative phrases like "if only I could" for nuanced expression. By following these tips, you can effectively use "how I wish" to add emotional depth to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

If only I could

Expresses a wish with a sense of impossibility or difficulty.

I wish it were otherwise

Indicates a desire for a different situation or outcome.

I desire that greatly

Highlights the intensity of the wish, making it more emphatic.

Would that it were so

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of expressing a wish for something to be true.

I long for that

Focuses on a deep yearning, emphasizing the emotional aspect of the wish.

I yearn for that

Similar to 'I long for that', but with a slightly more intense emotional connotation.

I crave that

Emphasizes a strong desire or need, often used for something essential or deeply missed.

I regret that it isn't so

Conveys a sense of regret about the current state, implying a wish for it to be different.

I'd hoped for that

Expresses a past hope that was not fulfilled, carrying a tone of disappointment.

I'd wanted that

Expresses a past desire that was not fulfilled, carrying a tone of disappointment.

FAQs

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

The phrase "how I wish" is used to express a strong desire or regret about something. For example, "How I wish I had studied harder for that exam!" or "How I wish I could travel the world."

What's a more formal way to say "how I wish"?

A more formal alternative to "how I wish" would be "I earnestly desire" or "I deeply regret that it is not so". These phrases convey a similar sentiment with a more elevated tone.

What can I say instead of "how I wish" to express a past unfulfilled desire?

You can use phrases like "if only I had" or "I regret not" to express a past unfulfilled desire. For example, "If only I had taken that opportunity" or "I regret not saying goodbye."

How does "how I wish" differ from "I hope"?

"How I wish" expresses a desire that is often unrealistic or unattainable, carrying a sense of longing or regret. "I hope", on the other hand, expresses a desire for something that is possible or likely to happen. For instance, "How I wish I could turn back time" versus "I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow".