it wishes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it wishes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire or hope for something to happen, often in a more formal or literary context. Example: "It wishes for peace and harmony among all nations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"What Gap wants is the right to renege on its commitments when it wishes".

The New York Times

It seems to show it wishes to expand its scope beyond the domestic".

The New York Times

The government can then sell its remaining shareholding, if it wishes, at a later date.

The Guardian - Opinion

It wishes to reinforce its reputation for brutality and effectiveness.

Huffington Post

No writ can prevent MPs debating what it wishes to, nor the Guardian reporting its business.

The Guardian - Opinion

What it wishes to do is replicate.

The New Yorker

And it wishes to remain that way.

The New York Times

It wishes it were a page turner.

The New York Times - Books

Mostly, it wishes it were an opera.

The New York Times - Arts

America should be careful what it wishes for.

The Economist

As before, it wishes to encourage more private provision.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to determine if a more direct synonym like "desires" or "intends" might be more appropriate for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it wishes" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it wants" or "it hopes" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it wishes" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing desire, intention, or inclination. Ludwig's examples show it used to indicate a subject's (often an organization or entity) aspiration or goal. It is commonly followed by an infinitive verb (e.g., "it wishes to remain").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it wishes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey desire or intent, as validated by Ludwig. Its formality lends itself to professional writing, news reporting, and analytical contexts. While versatile, it's important to acknowledge that its formal nature may not always be suitable for casual conversation or informal writing. When considering source authority and grammatical correctness, "it wishes" earns a high expert rating. Always assess the intended tone of your message and consider alternatives like "it desires" or "it intends" where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it desires

Replaces "wishes" with a synonym that also conveys a strong feeling of wanting something.

it intends

Focuses on the planned action or goal rather than a general desire.

it aims

Emphasizes the purpose or objective that "it" is striving to achieve.

it seeks

Highlights the active pursuit of something, often something specific.

it aspires

Suggests a higher level of ambition or a loftier goal.

it longs

Conveys a deep and persistent yearning for something.

it hopes

Indicates a feeling of optimism or expectation about a future event.

it plans

Highlights a detailed method of achieving an objective.

it is inclined

Indicates a predisposition or tendency towards a particular action or belief.

it has a yearning

Expresses a profound longing or desire, often for something unattainable.

FAQs

How can I use "it wishes" in a sentence?

Use "it wishes" to express a desire or intention, especially in formal or literary contexts. For example, "The company has said in the past that "it wishes" to remain the company's No.1 shareholder."

What are some alternatives to "it wishes"?

Alternatives include "it desires", "it intends", or "it aims". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it wishes" formal or informal?

"It wishes" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "it wants" or "it hopes". Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use this phrase.

When should I use "it wishes" instead of "it wants"?

Use "it wishes" when you want to add a touch of formality or express a more profound or considered desire. "It wants" is more direct and suitable for everyday contexts, while "it wishes" has a slightly elevated tone.