wish for

USAGE SUMMARY

"wish for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire for something or when talking about a goal. For example: "She wished for a better life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What to wish for.

The New Yorker

I wish for a pony.

The New Yorker

I wish for it now".

The New York Times - Sports

Everything I could wish for".

The New York Times

I don't wish for complications".

The New York Times

What do you wish for?

The New York Times - Arts

I couldn't wish for more".

Independent

I wish for a Nintendo.

The New Yorker

Everything you could wish for!

The New York Times

One could wish for more.

The Economist

They wish for immediate elections.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wish for" to express a personal desire or hope, but consider stronger verbs like "desire" or "aspire" in formal writing for greater impact.

Common error

While "wish for" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal documents. Opt for more precise verbs that convey the specific nature of the desire, such as "seek", "request", or "require".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wish for" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing a desire, hope, or longing for something. As Ludwig indicates, it is commonly used to articulate personal desires or aspirations. The examples highlight its role in expressing both tangible and intangible wishes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wish for" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to express a desire or hope. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable across various contexts, though more formal situations may benefit from stronger, more precise alternatives such as "desire" or "aspire". While generally neutral in register, careful consideration of the specific context is advised to ensure appropriate usage. The phrase frequently appears in "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and "Science" sources. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "wish for" to convey their hopes and aspirations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hope for

Emphasizes the anticipation and expectation of a positive outcome.

desire

Single-word alternative focusing on the feeling of wanting something.

long for

Implies a deep and persistent yearning for something.

yearn for

Similar to 'long for', suggesting a strong and emotional desire.

aspire to

Focuses on ambition and striving towards a goal.

set one's heart on

Emphasizes the strong emotional investment in a particular desire.

crave

Suggests a strong and often urgent desire.

be desirous of

Formal alternative indicating a wish or strong want.

have a hankering for

Informal expression indicating a desire or craving, often for something specific.

pine for

Suggests a deep sadness and longing for something absent.

FAQs

How do I use "wish for" in a sentence?

You can use "wish for" to express a desire for something, like in the sentence "I "wish for" a peaceful world." It indicates a hope or longing for a particular outcome or object.

What can I say instead of "wish for"?

You can use alternatives like "hope for", "desire", or "long for" depending on the context. These alternatives can add nuance and variety to your writing.

Which is correct, "wish for" or "wishing for"?

"Wish for" is typically used as a verb phrase to express a desire. "Wishing for" is the present participle form, used in continuous tenses, such as "I am "wishing for" a vacation."

What's the difference between "wish for" and "hope for"?

While similar, "wish for" often implies a more fantastical or less realistic desire, whereas "hope for" suggests a more reasonable expectation. For example, you might "wish for" magic, but "hope for" good weather.