wish list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wish list" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically refers to a list of items that someone wishes they had. For example: I made a wish list of all the things I wanted for my birthday.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

On his wish list?

The New York Times

It's Hollywood's wish list.

The Guardian - Opinion

high on the wish list.

The New York Times

I have no wish list.

The Guardian

Their wish list is very limited".

The New York Times

That was added to the wish list.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

The corporate wish-list continues.

The Guardian - Opinion

It also has a wish-list option.

The New York Times - Tech

It certainly has a wish-list.

The Economist

The wish-list nowadays is probably short.

The New York Times

Reformers have a long wish-list.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When creating a "wish list", prioritize items based on importance or feasibility to help focus your efforts.

Common error

Avoid treating your "wish list" as a firm budget. A "wish list" is aspirational, while a budget reflects realistic financial constraints. Use the "wish list" to guide your savings and purchasing decisions, but don't feel obligated to acquire everything on it immediately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wish list" primarily functions as a compound noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to a list of items someone desires. The examples show its use in various contexts, describing personal desires, organizational goals, or technical requirements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wish list" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term that refers to a collection of desired items or goals. As Ludwig AI states, it is widely understood and accepted. Its frequency across various sources, particularly in News & Media and Wiki, highlights its relevance in both formal and informal communication. When using "wish list", it's important to consider the context and audience to ensure the message is clear and appropriate. While alternatives like "list of desired items" or "catalog of aspirations" may offer nuance, "wish list" remains a straightforward and universally recognized term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

list of desired items

This alternative directly replaces "wish" with "desired", clarifying the nature of the list.

inventory of wants

Replaces "wish" with the more direct "wants", and "list" with "inventory".

catalog of aspirations

Uses "catalog" to emphasize the extent of the list and "aspirations" to highlight the desires.

agenda of desires

Suggests a more structured and intentional list of desires.

collection of goals

Focuses on the goals one hopes to achieve, rather than just items.

set of preferences

This term indicates a list of items that are favored or preferred.

shopping list

Implies a list of items one intends to purchase.

gift registry

Specifically refers to a list of gifts someone would like to receive.

bucket list

Implies a list of experiences or achievements one hopes to accomplish before death.

dream board

Suggests a visual representation of one's desires and goals.

FAQs

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

You can use "wish list" to describe a compilation of desired items, such as "I created a "wish list" for my birthday" or "Adding a new book to my "wish list".

What is a good alternative to saying "wish list"?

Alternatives include "list of desired items", "catalog of aspirations", or "inventory of wants" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to share my "wish list" with others?

Yes, sharing your "wish list" is common, especially around holidays or birthdays, to provide gift suggestions. However, ensure the context is appropriate and doesn't come across as demanding.

What's the difference between a "wish list" and a shopping list?

A "wish list" contains items you desire but may not necessarily intend to purchase immediately. A shopping list, however, includes items you plan to buy soon, typically for immediate needs.