we would wish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we would wish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a desire or hope for something in a polite or formal manner. Example: "In light of the recent developments, we would wish for a swift resolution to the matter at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She said: "We would wish her to go further.

The Guardian

He is working exactly as we would wish".

The New Yorker

Which is just as we would wish it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We would wish Concorde to fly again," he said.

The New York Times

"We would wish that customers read those beforehand and become familiar with them".

The New York Times

Keeping warm, clean, fed, organised, alive, all take up more time than we would wish.

The Guardian

This season could be more similar to that than we would wish.

The Guardian - Sport

Meanwhile, we have to work with the world as it is, not as we would wish it to be.

Independent

Though we would wish otherwise, we have little confidence that the board can and will rise to the occasion.

The New York Times

"As much as we would wish another situation, we are equally bound to look reality in the eye".

The New York Times

"We have to deal with the world as it is, rather than as we would wish it to be".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "we would wish" with a clear and direct statement of the desired outcome or action.

Common error

Avoid using "we would wish" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler and more direct alternatives like "we want" or "we hope" to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we would wish" primarily functions as a hedged performative, expressing a desire, hope, or intention in a polite or formal manner. This usage softens the force of a direct statement, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

29%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we would wish" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a desire or hope in a polite and formal manner. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and appropriateness, particularly in professional, academic, and diplomatic contexts. While "we would wish" is common in news and media, academia, and formal business settings, it should be used judiciously in informal situations where more direct alternatives may be more appropriate. By understanding the nuances and contexts for using this phrase, writers can effectively communicate their intentions while maintaining a level of respect and decorum.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we would like

Expresses a preference or desire in a slightly more direct manner.

we desire

A more formal way of expressing a strong wish or yearning.

we hope

Indicates a positive expectation or anticipation.

it is our wish

Emphasizes the formal expression of a collective desire.

we aspire

Expresses a higher goal or ambition that one hopes to achieve.

we long for

Indicates a deep and often emotional yearning for something.

we are eager

Implies enthusiasm and impatience for something to happen.

we anticipate

Focuses on expecting something specific to occur.

we crave

Suggests a strong need or desire, often implying a lack of something.

we aim

Expresses an intention or goal that one is striving to achieve.

FAQs

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

The phrase "we would wish" is used to express a desire or hope in a polite, somewhat formal way. For example, "We would wish her to go further" expresses a desire for someone to take additional action.

What can I say instead of "we would wish"?

You can use alternatives like "we would like", "we hope", or "it is our wish" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "we would wish" more formal than "we want"?

Yes, "we would wish" is generally more formal and polite than "we want". "We want" is more direct and suitable for informal situations, while "we would wish" is better suited for professional or diplomatic contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "we would wish" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "we would wish" when you want to express a desire or hope in a formal and respectful manner, such as in official correspondence, business communications, or diplomatic statements. Using simpler terms may be preferable in less formal settings.