wish that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wish that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a desire for something to be different or to express a longing for a situation that is not true. Example: "I wish that I could travel more often and explore new places."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I wish that had happened earlier.

The New York Times - Books

Yeah, I wish that".

The New York Times

Do I wish that?

The New York Times - Sports

I honestly don't wish that".

Independent

You wish that sometimes?

The New York Times

"I wish that this had never happened.

The New York Times - Sports

I wish that would happen more.

The New York Times

"Do we wish that it was better?

The New York Times

"I wish that were true," Tagg said.

The New York Times

I so wish that I could.

The New York Times - Magazine

I do not wish that for anyone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wish that" to express regret about a past event, ensure the verb in the 'that' clause is in the past perfect tense (e.g., "I wish that I had studied harder").

Common error

Avoid using the present simple tense after "wish that" when referring to past events. For example, instead of saying "I wish that I know the answer", say "I wish that I knew the answer" (for present regrets) or "I wish that I had known the answer" (for past regrets).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wish that" primarily functions as a connector to express a desire, regret, or hope for a different state of affairs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. The structure "wish that + clause" allows for expressing counterfactual scenarios or longing for something different.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wish that" is a versatile phrase used to express desires, hopes, or regrets about current or past situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct and is frequently found in various forms of writing, especially in news and media. When expressing past regrets, remember to use the past perfect tense after "wish that". Common alternatives include "hope that", "desire that", and "if only", each carrying subtle differences in nuance. By understanding its function, purpose, register, and potential errors, you can effectively incorporate "wish that" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if only

Expresses a regretful desire for something that is not currently the case, similar to "wish that" in its implication of unfulfillment.

hope that

Expresses a positive expectation or anticipation, differing from "wish that" which often implies a lack of certainty.

if I could only

Highlights a constraint or limitation preventing the desired outcome, adding a layer of frustration not always present in "wish that".

desire that

Conveys a strong feeling of wanting something, similar to "wish that" but with a slightly more formal tone.

would that

An archaic expression of a wish, carrying a formal or literary tone absent in the more common "wish that".

long for

Emphasizes a deep yearning or craving, suggesting a more intense emotional connection than "wish that".

yearn for

Indicates a strong and persistent desire, carrying a sense of longing and sometimes sadness, unlike the more neutral "wish that".

it is my hope that

Formally expresses an optimistic desire, differing from the simpler and more direct "wish that".

aspire to

Focuses on ambition and striving towards a goal, distinct from "wish that" which can be more passive.

dream of

Implies a fantasy or idealized scenario, suggesting a less realistic expectation than "wish that".

FAQs

How do I use "wish that" to express regret about the past?

To express regret about something that happened in the past, use the past perfect tense after "wish that". For example, "I "wish that" I had listened to my parents" expresses regret about not listening to them.

What's the difference between "I wish that" and "I hope that"?

"I "wish that"" typically expresses a desire for something that is unlikely or impossible, or a regret about something in the past. "I "hope that"", on the other hand, expresses a desire for something that is possible or likely to happen.

Can I use "wish that" to express a desire for something in the present?

Yes, you can use ""wish that"" to express a desire for something to be different in the present. In this case, use the past simple tense after "wish that". For example, "I "wish that" I knew the answer" means you desire to know the answer now.

What are some alternatives to "I wish that" for expressing regret?

Alternatives for expressing regret include "If only", "I regret that", or "I long for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. If you want a less intense expression of regret you can also use "I "hope that"".