well wish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "well wish" is not commonly used in written English and may not be considered correct.
It can be used when referring to a sentiment of goodwill or a message expressing hope for someone's well-being, but it is more often seen in the plural form "well wishes." Example: "I received many well wishes from friends and family after my surgery."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

They may well wish to.

The Economist

Pupils and parents may well wish they were going faster.

The Economist

"We might as well wish for a woman President," Mary Anne muttered.

The New Yorker

The victim of, for example a brutal rape, might well wish to wipe the memory.

The Guardian - Opinion

But listeners may well wish to make up their own minds about that one.

The Guardian - Music

But the reader might well wish that Mr. Gordon had said more about the Internet.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"Sending all our love and well wishes to Dave.

Independent

We thank the country for their support and well wishes".

The Guardian

"Thank you for the well wishes everyone.

TechCrunch

"Thanks for well wishes, everything happens for a reason, though.

BBC

Thanks Jennifer Aniston for the well wishes pic.twitter.com/8n6afXVI63.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "well wish", consider whether "well wishes" (plural) might be more appropriate for broader, general expressions of goodwill. Using "well wishes" can sound more natural in many contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "well wish" in contexts where a more idiomatic expression of goodwill is expected. In many scenarios, phrases like "best of luck", "get well soon", or "congratulations" are better fits.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well wish" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used to denote an expression of goodwill or a message conveying positive sentiments. Ludwig identifies that it is a rather uncommon expression. In general, the plural form, "well wishes", is preferred.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "well wish" is an acceptable, but somewhat uncommon, way to express positive sentiments. As Ludwig AI indicates, the plural form "well wishes" is far more prevalent. While grammatically sound, consider whether alternatives like "best wishes" or "good wishes" may be more appropriate. Ludwig's analysis shows the phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. When seeking to convey goodwill, "well wish" can be effective, though careful consideration of context and stylistic preference is advised.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

best wishes

This alternative is a more common and widely accepted expression of goodwill.

good wishes

This alternative is a simpler and equally common expression of positive intent.

all the best

This alternative is a common and versatile expression of good luck and positive sentiments.

warmest regards

This alternative conveys a slightly more formal and heartfelt sense of goodwill.

kind regards

This alternative is a polite and respectful way to express good feelings.

best of luck

This alternative specifically focuses on wishing someone success in a particular endeavor.

hoping for the best

This alternative expresses a hopeful sentiment for a positive outcome.

sending positive vibes

This alternative is an informal way to express positive energy and support.

thoughts and prayers

This alternative is typically used in situations where someone is facing hardship or difficulty.

expressing hope

This alternative directly conveys the act of sharing a hopeful sentiment.

FAQs

Is it more correct to say "well wish" or "well wishes"?

While "well wish" is grammatically acceptable, "well wishes" (plural) is more commonly used and often sounds more natural when expressing general goodwill.

What are some alternatives to "well wish" that I can use in formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "warmest regards", "kind regards", or "best wishes" as more polished alternatives to "well wish".

When is it appropriate to use the singular form "well wish"?

The singular form "well wish" can be used when referring to a specific, single instance of expressing goodwill, though it's still less common than the plural form.

What is the difference between "well wish" and "good luck"?

"Good luck" is a specific expression of wishing someone success, while "well wish" (or, more commonly, "well wishes") is a broader term encompassing any expression of positive feelings or hopes for someone's well-being.