you wish for

USAGE SUMMARY

"you wish for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a desire someone has, especially when it is an unlikely one. For example, "My father often says 'You can have anything you wish for' when I talk about my dreams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What do you wish for?

The New York Times - Arts

Be careful what you wish for, reformers.

The New York Times

Be careful what you wish for, however.

The New York Times

Be very careful what you wish for.

The New York Times - Sports

Fierce Sunshine Careful what you wish for.

Independent

But be careful what you wish for.

The New York Times

Be careful what you wish for, maybe?

The New York Times - Books

Watch what you wish for.

The New York Times - Sports

But beware of what you wish for.

The Guardian - Money

Be careful what you wish for, especially if you wish for too much.

The New York Times - Arts

So be careful what you wish for.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "you wish for", consider the context and whether a more specific verb like 'desire', 'hope', or 'long' would be more appropriate to convey the intended nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "you wish for" in contexts where a straightforward statement of intent is needed. The phrase often carries an implication of unlikelihood or a cautionary tone, which might not be suitable for all situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "you wish for" functions primarily as a verbal phrase expressing a desire or hope. As evidenced by Ludwig, it often appears within the idiom "be careful what "you wish for"", adding a cautionary dimension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "you wish for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for expressing a desire, especially when tempered with caution or irony. As Ludwig AI confirms, its most common usage appears in the idiom "be careful what "you wish for"". Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, though a more specific verb might be preferred for clarity. Understanding its implied meanings prevents misinterpretations in writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what you are wishing for

Uses present continuous form adding a slight difference in the meaning.

what you hope for

Expresses a general sense of optimism and expectation.

what you desire

Focuses on the act of desiring, similar to wishing.

what you long for

Emphasizes a deep yearning, adding intensity.

what you set your heart on

Indicates a strong emotional investment in the desired outcome.

what you aspire to

Highlights ambition and striving for a goal.

what you dream of

Suggests a fantastical or idealized desire.

your heart's desire

Emphasizes the personal and emotional significance of the wish.

what you're after

More informal, implying a pursuit or goal.

the object of your desire

More formal, referring to the specific thing being desired.

FAQs

How can I use "you wish for" in a sentence?

The phrase "you wish for" is often used to express a desire, sometimes with a hint of irony or caution. For example, you might say, "Be careful what "you wish for", you might get it."

What does "be careful what you wish for" mean?

The expression "be careful what "you wish for"" means that sometimes getting what you want can have unintended or negative consequences.

Are there more formal alternatives to "you wish for"?

While "you wish for" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives might include "what "you desire"" or "what "you aspire to"", depending on the specific context.

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

"You hope for" generally expresses a positive expectation, while "you wish for" can imply a less realistic or more fanciful desire. The phrase "you hope for" suggests a reasonable possibility of attainment.