verb · A2

Wish

WISH/wɪʃ/

Wish looks at a world that is not real yet: I wish I could drive. It often takes a past form after it. Hope is for things that may still happen: I hope you pass. Wish someone luck and best wishes are set phrases. A wish is also a noun: make a wish.

Meaning

To want something to happen or be true.

Examples

“I wish I could speak better English.”
“I wish the buses ran later.”
“We wish you a safe journey.”

Good to know

wish + past form (unreal). hope + present/future (possible). Noun: a wish / best wishes.

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