i really wish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I really wish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or longing for something that is not currently happening or is unlikely to happen. Example: "I really wish I could travel to Paris this summer, but my schedule is too packed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Although I really wish to".

The New Yorker

I really wish I hadn't.

The New Yorker

I really wish it were.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I really wish more could.

The New York Times - Health

"I really wish them luck," she said.

The New Yorker

I really wish we had talked.

The New York Times

"I really wish he could be pope.

The New York Times

"I really wish I had done something.

The New York Times

I really wish he hadn't been president.

The Guardian - Books

I really wish it were Carl, though.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I really wish it wasn't the case".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "i really wish" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're expressing a longing for the future or regret about the past.

Common error

Avoid overusing "i really wish" in formal or professional writing, as it can come across as too emotional or informal. Consider using more direct or objective language to express your desired outcome or address shortcomings. For example, instead of "I really wish we had more resources," try "Additional resources would improve our ability to meet project deadlines."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i really wish" functions primarily as an expression of desire, regret, or longing. It sets up a hypothetical scenario that is contrary to reality. Ludwig examples show its use in conveying sentiments from simple desires to profound regrets.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "i really wish" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a strong desire or regret. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s perfectly acceptable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, this phrase serves to convey personal sentiments about unrealized desires or past actions. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal settings, opting for more direct language instead. When aiming for variety, consider alternatives like "i sincerely hope" or "if only i could", each offering a slightly different shade of meaning. Remember to tailor your choice to fit the specific context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if only i could

Expresses a wistful longing for something unattainable.

i sincerely hope

Replaces "wish" with "hope" to convey a more optimistic desire.

i desperately want

Emphasizes the intensity of the desire.

i earnestly desire

Uses more formal language to express a strong yearning.

i would love to

Expresses desire in a milder, more polite way.

i deeply regret

Shifts the focus to expressing regret about a past action or situation.

i long for

Conveys a deep and persistent yearning.

i yearn for

Expresses a strong feeling of longing or desire.

i crave

Indicates a strong and intense desire.

my greatest desire is

Highlights the wish as a central ambition or goal.

FAQs

How can I use "i really wish" in a sentence?

You can use "i really wish" to express a desire for something that is not currently true or possible. For example, "I really wish I could travel the world" or "I really wish I had made a different decision."

What are some alternatives to "i really wish"?

Some alternatives include expressing a direct desire with phrases like "I hope", expressing regret with phrases like "I regret", or using conditional statements like "If only". Alternatives are like "i sincerely hope", "i deeply regret", or "if only i could".

Is it correct to say "i really wish"?

Yes, "i really wish" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express a strong desire or regret. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable in written English.

What's the difference between "i wish" and "i really wish"?

Adding "really" intensifies the expression of desire or regret. "I really wish" conveys a stronger feeling than simply saying "I wish". For example, saying "I really wish I had gone to that concert" expresses a deeper sense of longing compared to "I wish I had gone to that concert".