1. How to use WISH in English Grammar & Vocabulary?
i) WISH has uses & meanings that can be used in different ways.
ii) WISH can be a VERB & NOUN.
iii) WISH is used in many common English expressions
2. 7 Ways to use WISH - Example Situation
We use WISH with 4 different tenses to talk about these situations:
a. 'Present Wish' - (you feel sorry or not happy about present situation)
Form: [WISH + Past Simple tense]
b. 'Past Wish' - (for regrets)
Form: [WISH + Past Perfect tense]
e.g. He wishes he had worked harder as a student.
c. 'Future Wish' - (for hopes & complaints)
Form: [WISH + would]
e.g. We wish things would get better around here.
d. 'Future Wish - (hopes about the future for oneself / themselves)
Form: [WISH + could]
e.g. Suzy wishes she could move to a new place.
Grammar Check!
WISH + Verb Tenses - Rules, Explanation & Examples
WISH - Other Uses & Meanings
(e) WISH - to express good wishes and hopes for someone
(f) WISH - want (formal)
(g) WISH - wish something will come true
3. How to Use WISH in sentences - Examples
A. Expressing Good Wishes and Hopes for Someone:
Form:
I wish you...
Example Sentence
a) I wish you success in your new job.
b) We wish you a happy birthday!
c) I wish you a Merry Christmas.
d) We wish you a speedy recovery.
e) We wish you the best of luck in your new life.
B. Common Expressions with WISH
[Best Wishes] - a common phrase used to express good intentions or hopes for someone's future.
Example Sentence:
a. I'm sending my best wishes to you on your new job!
b. Sending you our best wishes.Â
e. Give Claire my best wishes when you see her.
C: WISH as a Formal Way to mean WANT
-WISH can also be used to express a want or desire for something. This is more formal and often found in written English.
Form:
Subject + wish/es + (that) + something + verb phrase
Examples:
a) The committee wishes that all members attend the meeting next week.
b) She wishes that the company provides better healthcare benefits.
c) The Prime Minister wishes for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
d) The residents wish that the government takes action on climate change.
e) I wish for a brighter future for all.
Grammar TIP!
WISH are used in announcements at malls, museums, and public places etc. to convey information, make requests, and provide guidance to visitors in a polite and respectful manner.
Form: wish + to + verb phrase
At the train station:
e.g.
"Attention all passengers, we wish to inform you that the 10:15 train to London has been delayed due to technical difficulties.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause."
At the shopping mall:
e.g.
"Attention all shoppers, we wish to announce a special promotion happening today only! Visit our stores for exclusive discounts and offers. Happy shopping!"
At a museum:
e.g.
"Attention all museum visitors, we wish to remind you that large bags and backpacks are not permitted inside the galleries. Please leave these items in the designated storage area at the entrance. Thank you for your understanding."
D. WISH something Will Come True
-WISH can be used to express a hope or desire that something will come true.
(Similar to expressing hopes and dreams.)
Form:
Subject + wish/es + (that) + something + will + verb phrase
Example Sentence:
a) She wishes that her dreams will come true one day.
b) They wish that their efforts will be rewarded.
c) He wishes that peace will prevail in the world.
d) We wish that our project will be successful.
e) I wish that all your wishes will come true on your special day.
GRAMMAR TIP!
WISH is used in the context of magic or granting dreams in stories, folklore, and fairy tales.
E. Common Expressions with WISH
[Make a wish] : To express a desire or hope for something.
Example
-She blew out the candles on her birthday cake, silently making a wish for her dreams to come true.
-The children made a wish upon the shooting stars excitedly, hoping their dreams would come true.
-The crowd gathered in the town square on New Year's Eve, ready to make a wish for the coming year as the countdown began.
In fairy tales
-The fairy godmother appeared in a shimmering light, ready to grant Cinderella's heartfelt wish to attend the royal ball.
-The genie emerged from the lamp, ready to grant three wishes to the lucky finder.
F. WISH is commonly used in many English expressions and phrases.
a. Wishful thinking - Unrealistic hopes or desires for something.
e.g. Hoping to win the lottery without buying a ticket is just wishful thinking.
b. Wish list - A list of items or experiences that one would like to have or achieve.
e.g. I have so many things on my wish list for our upcoming holiday.
G. Conversation Example
Millie and Suki are long-time friends out on their lunch break. They are shopping for a birthday gift for a mutual friend.
Millie:Â Hey, Suki! It's so great to see you. Thanks for going shopping with me today.
Suki: Sure! I wouldn't miss it. How's work?
Millie:Â Not too busy. Oh, I wish we had more time. I hope to get the perfect gift for Lisa. Her birthday is next week and I wish it to be special.
Suki:Â Finding the right gift can be challenging. But I'm sure we'll find something she'll love. What are your wishes for her this year?
Millie: I wish her all the happiness and success in the world.
Suki:Â Oh, how sweet of you.
Millie: I mean, she's been through a lot lately, and she deserves the best.
Suki: I'm sure she'll appreciate your thoughtful wishes.
Millie: What about you?
Suki: Hmm...I wish for her to find inner peace and fulfilment in the coming year. She's such a sweet girl.
Millie:Â Lisa is one of the most caring people I know. I wish that all her dreams will come true. And she'll find the strength to overcome any challenges that come her way.
An hour later at a restaurant...
Suki:Â I wish we could do this more often. Shopping is so much fun.
Clinking their glasses together, they made a toast, each silently making a wish for a bright and prosperous future.
Millie: Yeah. It's nice to catch up and share our hopes and wishes for each other and our loved ones. Don't you think?
Suki: Absolutely.
H. Let's Recap!
WISH - Some Uses & Meanings:
(i) WISH - to express good wishes and hopes for someone
(ii) WISH - want (formal)
(iii) WISH - wish something will come true
Complete the sentences with expressions related to WISH:
i) wishful thinking
ii) wish list
iii) make a wish
iv) best wishes
a. After blowing out the candles on her birthday cake, Sarah closed her eyes and ___________.
b. Hoping to win the lottery without buying a ticket is just  ___________ .
c. I'm sending my ___________ to you on your upcoming performance.
d. An expensive handbag is at the top of my ___________ .
Grammar Check!
WISH + Verb Tenses - Rules & Example Sentences
We hope you've enjoyed learning a bit more about using WISH in everyday life.
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