wish to return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wish to return" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or intention to go back to a previous place or situation. Example: "After spending several years abroad, I now wish to return to my hometown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But others wish to return home.

The New York Times

And of course, the door will always be open should he wish to return".

Independent

We remind those former Episcopalians that the door is open if they wish to return.

The New York Times

If an individual refugee does not wish to return, he will be free not to return.

The Guardian

Her job is waiting for her should she wish to return from Paris to it.

The New Yorker

You will not wish to return to these places, where memory pools lie underfoot, as treacherous as acid.

The New Yorker

I believe the Enlightenment was a very good thing, and don't wish to return to an age of raw superstition.

The New York Times

Tradition has it that those who have fallen for the city and wish to return to it must climb the three steps and kiss the little feline's bottom.

Independent

Those who wish to return home must be allowed to do so.

BBC

Should you wish to return it to winning ways, it's eligible for historic racing.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ferguson informed the Scotland manager once again in recent days that he did not wish to return to the fold.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "wish to return", ensure the context clearly defines the place, situation, or state you are referring back to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the overall meaning of your sentence.

Common error

While "wish to return" is acceptable, consider using stronger, more direct alternatives like "intend to return" or "plan to return" in formal or professional writing to convey certainty and commitment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wish to return" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing a subject's desire or intention to go back to a prior location, state, or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wish to return" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for conveying a desire or intention to go back. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in English. While versatile, "wish to return" finds itself more commonly in news, media, and scientific contexts. Consider alternatives like "desire to go back" or "intend to return" based on the desired formality and emphasis. Be mindful of clearly defining the intended destination or state to avoid ambiguity. With an expert rating of 4.5, it's a reliable and widely understood phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desire to go back

Replaces "wish" with "desire", focusing on the feeling of wanting to return. Similarity score: 95

want to come back

Uses simpler vocabulary, replacing "wish" with "want" and "return" with "come back" for a more informal tone. Similarity score: 90

hope to return

Substitutes "wish" with "hope", implying a degree of uncertainty about the return. Similarity score: 88

intend to return

Replaces "wish" with "intend", indicating a firm plan or intention to return. Similarity score: 85

plan to return

Similar to "intend to return", but emphasizes the planning aspect. Similarity score: 82

long to return

Uses "long" to convey a stronger emotional yearning to return. Similarity score: 80

yearn to return

Similar to "long to return", indicating a deep, heartfelt desire. Similarity score: 78

aspire to return

Implies a goal-oriented desire to return, suggesting ambition or a significant achievement. Similarity score: 75

seek to return

Emphasizes the act of actively trying or striving to return. Similarity score: 72

aim to return

Similar to "intend to return" and "plan to return", but suggests a specific objective. Similarity score: 70

FAQs

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

You can use "wish to return" to express a desire or intention to go back to a previous place, state, or situation. For example, "After several years abroad, I "wish to return" to my hometown."

What can I say instead of "wish to return"?

You can use alternatives like "desire to go back", "want to come back", or "hope to return" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "wish to return" formal or informal?

The phrase "wish to return" is relatively neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, alternatives like "intend to return" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "wish to return" and "hope to return"?

"Wish to return" expresses a desire, while "hope to return" implies a degree of uncertainty or anticipation. "Wish" focuses on the desire, whereas "hope" considers the possibility of the return.