to wish upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to wish upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of making a wish, often associated with wishing on a star or a similar object. Example: "Every time I see a shooting star, I take a moment to wish upon it for my dreams to come true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"I think maybe you have to have some chance of identifying with fairytales in order to wish upon a star.

The Guardian - Film

Wearing work boots and suspenders, his sleeves rolled up, James cautions Tiana that it's fine to wish upon a star, but that hard work gets the job done.

The New York Times

Of course, you won't get to see every single one, but with some active planning, patience and a bit of luck, you will likely get your own chance to wish upon a star.

The Washington Post

The real fantasy scenario, in which he is actually elected, is obviously too horrible a fate to wish upon a man who is already performing a valuable public service.

The Guardian - Opinion

Since Trump seems to wish upon us a return to some kind of an imaginary paradise from the past, I ask Macy, as we part, which era he would go back to.

The Guardian - Film

A superstitious tradition, meant to protect children from vengeful spirits, persists in Spanish-­speaking countries — naming babies for the opposite qualities that benevolent parents might be expected to wish upon their offspring.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The schadenfreude sports fan, therefore, has little choice but to wish ill upon the more odious villains, with gusto.

The New York Times

"It goes against our principles to wish ill upon another league, although I know that many have and continue to wish ill on the K.H.L.," Alexander Medvedev, the president of the K.H.L., told the Russian newspaper Sovetsky Sport this week.

The New York Times - Sports

Gilbert called James's decision a "cowardly betrayal" and certainly seemed to "wish bad" upon James when he guaranteed that the Cavaliers would win a championship "before the self-titled former 'King' wins one".That would be the bad karma-inducing sentiment that James was referencing.

The New York Times

I hope that we can always remember to wish peace upon others.

Huffington Post

As I sit here alone in my LA apartment, far removed from Sanford, Fl., trying to digest the collective flood of sad information -- the rampant rancor between people that causes them to wish death upon each other... as I wonder about the legacy of slavery -- legal crime -- and how to explain that legacy to those who believe we are all equal under the law..

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to wish upon", ensure the context involves an element of chance, superstition, or fantasy. It's most appropriate when wishing on stars, fountains, or other objects traditionally associated with making wishes.

Common error

Avoid using "to wish upon" in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for more direct and assertive language such as "to hope for" or "to aim for" to maintain a serious and credible tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to wish upon" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb. It describes the manner in which a wish is made, often implying a degree of hope or superstition. Ludwig confirms that this usage is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Science

9%

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to wish upon" is a grammatically correct and fairly common way to describe the act of making a wish, particularly when an element of chance or fantasy is involved. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. However, it's worth noting the phrase's informal register, which may make it less appropriate for formal or professional communications. For such situations, consider alternatives like "to hope for" or "to desire". When "to wish upon" is used, it evokes a sense of tradition and a hope for dreams to come true.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to make a wish on

Replaces "wish upon" with the more common and versatile "make a wish on".

to hope for

Shifts the focus from the act of wishing to the state of hoping.

to desire

Replaces the act of wishing with a more formal term to express desire.

to dream of

Focuses on the aspirational aspect of wishing, similar to envisioning a future outcome.

to aspire to

Conveys a sense of ambition and striving towards a goal.

to long for

Emphasizes a deep and persistent yearning for something.

to set your heart on

Highlights a strong emotional investment in achieving a particular outcome.

to pray for

Implies seeking divine intervention to fulfill a wish.

to cross your fingers for

Introduces a superstitious element of hoping for good luck.

to keep your fingers crossed

Alternative way to introduce a superstitious element of hoping for good luck.

FAQs

What does it mean to "wish upon" something?

To "wish upon" something typically means to express a desire or hope while focusing on an object or event considered to have the power to grant wishes, such as a star or a fountain. It implies a degree of superstition or fantasy.

What are some alternatives to "to wish upon"?

You can use alternatives like "to make a wish on", "to hope for", or "to desire" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "to wish upon"?

Yes, "to wish upon" is grammatically correct. It is a common idiomatic expression used to describe the act of making a wish, especially in fairy tales and folklore.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "to wish upon"?

The phrase "to wish upon" is most appropriate in contexts involving fantasy, superstition, or tradition, such as "wishing upon a star" or "wishing upon a fountain". It is less suitable for formal or professional communication.