we wish to express

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we wish to express" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to convey a sentiment or feeling, often in formal or polite communication. Example: "In light of recent events, we wish to express our deepest condolences to the families affected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We wish to express our deepest sympathies to her family.

The New York Times

We wish to express our deepest sympathies to his family.

The New York Times

We wish to express our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family.

The New York Times

We wish to express our deepest sympathies to his wife Bernice, and his entire family.

The New York Times

"We wish to express our sincere regret to all concerned," Mr. Fam said.

The New York Times

We wish to express our deepest condolences to his wife, Shirley, his children and grandchildren.

The New York Times

We wish to express our sincere sympathies to Al's wife Roselle and his family.

The New York Times

We wish to express our sincere sympathies to Les's wife and his children, Jeff and Craig.

The New York Times

We wish to express our deepest condolences to their family and friends.

The New York Times

We wish to express our outrage at this orchestrated slander and to affirm our solidarity with Milan Kundera.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We wish to express our sincerest apologies and regret any inconvenience this may have caused you," it said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the sentiment you are expressing is genuine and aligns with the context; avoid using the phrase insincerely, as it can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "we wish to express" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "we want to say" or "we'd like to mention" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we wish to express" serves as an illocutionary act, specifically a declarative. It introduces a statement of feeling, intention, or opinion. Ludwig indicates that it is generally correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we wish to express" is a versatile phrase used to formally introduce a statement of feeling, opinion, or gratitude. As Ludwig indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely used, making it a reliable choice for professional and public communications. It is most commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While it is a powerful tool for conveying sentiments, it is best reserved for more formal settings, with simpler alternatives preferred in casual conversations. Remember to use it sincerely and appropriately to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we would like to express

Replaces "wish" with "would like", softening the tone slightly.

we desire to express

Uses a more formal and emphatic verb, "desire", to convey a stronger sense of intention.

we intend to express

Highlights the planned or purposed nature of the expression.

we aim to express

Emphasizes the intention or goal of expressing something.

it is our intention to express

More verbose, adding emphasis to the intention behind the expression.

we feel compelled to express

Indicates a sense of obligation or necessity in making the expression.

we are eager to express

Changes the emphasis to enthusiasm and readiness to express the sentiment.

we hereby express

Adds a legal or official tone to the expression.

we take this opportunity to express

Emphasizes the situation or occasion for the expression.

we want to put on record

Shift the context towards a more official and registered announcement.

FAQs

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

Use "we wish to express" to formally introduce a statement, such as "We wish to express our gratitude for your generous donation" or "We wish to express our condolences to the family."

What are some alternatives to "we wish to express"?

You can use alternatives like "we would like to express", "we desire to express", or "we want to say" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "we wish to express" in an informal setting?

While grammatically correct, "we wish to express" is generally more suitable for formal contexts. In informal settings, phrases like "we want to say" or "we'd like to mention" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "we wish to express" and "we are expressing"?

"We wish to express" indicates an intention to convey something, whereas "we are expressing" describes an action that is currently happening. The former sets the stage, while the latter describes an ongoing process.