my only wish

USAGE SUMMARY

'my only wish' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express a very strong desire that you have. For example: "My only wish is to one day travel around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

My only wish is to see you again.

The New Yorker

My only wish is that it had been shot in New York.

The New York Times

"My only wish is that I could have been the one to do it".

The New York Times

My only wish is that we had the equivalent from the Republicans".

The New Yorker

"My only wish was that he had a bigger back so I could make it bigger.

The New York Times

"My only wish is that they would do the same for chicken".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My only wish is that more students seek counselling when they are in need.

The Guardian

"My only wish is for my children to read about these events as dirt from the past," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"…my only wish is that Leah would just stop all this negative, unprofessional and childish behavior…it's time to move on".

Huffington Post

In her review of Now That's What I Call Christmas!, Melissa Ruggieri of the Richmond Times-Dispatch commented, "Thankfully, only a small portion of disc two is devoted to tween magnets including Britney Spears ('My Only Wish [This Year]') and 'N Sync ('You Don't Have to Be Alone [On Christmas]')".

Wikipedia

That's my only wish… hoping that they find somebody, a home like I had, who I still have.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "my only wish", ensure the context clearly defines the specific subject or outcome you're desiring. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

While "my only wish" is acceptable, excessive repetition can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "my greatest hope" or "my deepest aspiration" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my only wish" functions as a subjective expression indicating a speaker's strongest desire or aspiration. It's often used to convey a sense of longing or hope. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "my only wish" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a deep desire or hope. As affirmed by Ludwig, it's versatile, appearing in diverse contexts from news to personal reflections. While the phrase is straightforward, it's advisable to vary your language to avoid repetition. Consider alternatives such as "my greatest hope" or "my deepest aspiration" to add nuance to your writing. Its frequent usage in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its validity and widespread acceptance in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my sole desire

Emphasizes singularity of the desire, similar to focusing on the single wish.

my greatest hope

Shifts focus to hope as the primary emotion rather than wish.

my deepest aspiration

Highlights a more profound and long-term desire.

what I truly desire

Changes from a wish to a statement of what is truly desired.

all I long for

Emphasizes longing and yearning for something.

my heart's desire

Adds an emotional depth, highlighting the heartfelt nature of the wish.

the thing I want most

Simplifies the statement to the most wanted thing.

it is my earnest hope

Formalizes the expression, emphasizing sincerity.

I yearn for

Expresses a strong feeling of wanting something.

I aspire to

Focuses on achieving a goal, with a hint of ambition.

FAQs

How can I use "my only wish" in a sentence?

You can use "my only wish" to express a strong desire or hope. For example, "My only wish is to see my family again" or "My only wish is for peace in the world".

What can I say instead of "my only wish"?

You can use alternatives like "my sole desire", "my greatest hope", or "what I truly desire" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "my only wish is that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The "that" clause introduces the specific content of your wish. For instance, "My only wish is that everyone has access to clean water".

What's the difference between "my only wish" and "my biggest dream"?

"My only wish" typically refers to a specific, achievable desire. "My biggest dream", in contrast, often implies a more ambitious, long-term aspiration. Consider using similar alternatives such as "my deepest aspiration".