wish to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wish to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a desire or intention to do something. Example: "I wish to travel to Europe next summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Americans wish to gamble.

The Economist

Although I really wish to".

The New Yorker

They may well wish to.

The Economist

They deliberately wish to disappear".

Independent

I didn't wish to intrude.

The New York Times

You wish to be alone".

The New Yorker

Wish to return".

The New York Times

Or ever wish to.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We wish to remember.

The New York Times

I do not wish to know.

The New Yorker

But many wish to go farther.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wish to" when you want to express a polite or slightly formal desire. It's suitable for both spoken and written contexts, adding a touch of refinement to your expression.

Common error

While "wish to" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing it in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "want to" or "wanna" to maintain a natural and relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wish to" functions primarily as an auxiliary verb followed by a main verb. It expresses a desire, intention, or polite request. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

31%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wish to" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express a desire or intention. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. It functions as an auxiliary verb, adding a touch of politeness or formality. While "want to" is more common in casual settings, "wish to" offers a nuanced alternative suitable for news, business, and academic writing. Overusing it in informal settings can sound unnatural. Ludwig’s examples show that while being very common, it appears most frequently in "News & Media" and "Wiki" contexts, ensuring its relevance in diverse communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desire to

Uses a different verb to express a similar feeling of wanting something.

want to

A more direct and common way to express a desire or intention.

would like to

A polite and slightly more formal way of expressing a wish.

intend to

Emphasizes the planning and purpose behind an action.

plan to

Focuses on the arrangement and preparation for a future action.

aim to

Highlights the goal or objective one hopes to achieve.

aspire to

Expresses a strong desire or ambition for something.

care to

A more casual and inviting way to offer something.

choose to

Highlights the element of making a conscious decision.

have a desire to

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the presence of a desire.

FAQs

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

"Wish to" is used to express a desire or intention. For example, "I wish to travel next year" or "They wish to participate in the event".

What are some alternatives to "wish to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "want to", "would like to", or "desire to".

Is "wish to" formal or informal?

"Wish to" is generally considered more formal than "want to", but less formal than "desire to". Its formality level is neutral, suitable for various writing and speaking contexts.

What's the difference between "wish to" and "want to"?

While both express desire, "wish to" carries a slightly more polite or formal connotation. "Want to" is more direct and commonly used in everyday conversation, whereas "wish to" can be used to express a desire in a more refined manner.