we can wish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we can wish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or hope for something to happen, often in a hypothetical or reflective context. Example: "Although the situation is challenging, we can wish for a better outcome in the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

We can wish it were better, but equally we would miss it if were no more.

The Guardian - Opinion

We can wish it wasn't so, but it's pretty futile to wish away millions of years of evolution.

Independent

"We can wish to do our work well — but this wish to do work that is ahead of its time, this is nothing but historicist propaganda.

The New Yorker

With the poet Byron, we can wish it ever more power: "Roll on, thou deep and dark blue Ocean -- Roll!" PERILS OF PARLOUS These are parlous times.

The New York Times - Magazine

But another part is accepting that oil production will continue for decades and clear-headedly managing the risks — not pretending we can wish them away.

The Washington Post

For example, we can be more or less self-aware; we can wish to be other than how we are; we can trust or mistrust, like or dislike ourselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Neither we nor the president-elect can wish it away.

Forbes

One can wish for it.

The New York Times

We can only wish.

The New Yorker

We can only wish him poorly.

The Guardian - Sport

We can all wish him well.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we can wish", be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the desired tone. This phrase is suitable for expressing general desires and is accepted according to Ludwig AI.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on wishing without taking concrete steps to achieve the desired outcome. While it's fine to "we can wish" for something, pair it with actionable strategies to increase the likelihood of success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can wish" functions as an expression of desire or hope. It indicates a wanting or longing for a particular outcome or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we can wish" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express a hope or desire, often when the outcome is uncertain. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It frequently appears in news and media contexts, serving to convey subjective desires or aspirations. While it’s good to "we can wish", pairing it with action will likely help the outcome you desire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we may hope

Emphasizes a degree of possibility or expectation regarding a desired outcome.

we might desire

Highlights the element of personal yearning or inclination.

we could dream

Suggests a less realistic or more fanciful aspiration.

it is our hope

Shifts the focus to a collective aspiration or expectation.

we aspire

Implies a striving towards a specific goal or ambition.

we long for

Conveys a strong sense of yearning or deep desire.

we anticipate

Focuses on expecting or predicting a positive outcome.

we look forward to

Expresses eagerness and positive expectation for something in the future.

it would be good if

Introduces a hypothetical scenario with a desired positive result.

we would like to

Expresses a polite or formal preference.

FAQs

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

You can use "we can wish" to express a hope or desire for something. For example, "We can wish for a better future, but we must also work to create it."

What are some alternatives to saying "we can wish"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "we may hope", "we might desire", or "we could dream", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "we can wish" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we can wish" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a desire or hope, especially in situations where the outcome is not guaranteed.

What's the difference between "we can wish" and "we can hope"?

While similar, "we can wish" often implies a more general or less certain desire, whereas "we can hope" suggests a degree of expectation or optimism.