Wish – Explanation, Example Sentences and Conjugation

Student highlighting Spanish text passages with yellow marker.
The verb “wish” in the English language is used to express a desire or hope for something to happen or to be true. It encompasses the act of wanting or longing for a specific outcome, often one that seems unattainable or distant. The verb can be used in various contexts, ranging from casual, everyday hopes to deep, heartfelt yearnings. As a versatile word, “wish” can be employed in both personal and impersonal constructions, making it a fundamental verb for articulating aspirations and dreams in English.

Example sentences

I wish I could travel to Japan next year.

She wishes she had studied harder for her exam.

He wishes he could turn back time and make different choices.

We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

I wish you were here to see this beautiful sunset with me.

They wish they could stay longer but they have to go back tomorrow.

I wish it would stop raining so we could go for a walk.

She wishes her friend a speedy recovery after the surgery.

He wishes he could meet his favorite author one day.

I wish I knew the answer to your question.

Conjugation

Present Simple

I wish I could go to the party.

You wish you had more time.

He wishes he lived closer.

She wishes she knew the answer.

It wishes it were easier.

We wish we could stay longer.

They wish they had seen it.

Past Simple

I wished I had gone to the concert.

You wished you had bought that book.

He wished he had asked for directions.

She wished she had taken the opportunity.

It wished it had functioned properly.

We wished we had more time.

They wished they had known the truth.

Future Simple

I will wish I could go back in time.

You will wish you had another chance.

He will wish he could stay forever.

She will wish she had said something.

It will wish it worked better.

We will wish we could forget.

They will wish they had participated.

Present Continuous

I am wishing for a sunny day tomorrow.

You are wishing for a better outcome.

He is wishing for a quiet evening at home.

She is wishing for a raise.

It is wishing to be repaired.

We are wishing for a successful project.

They are wishing for a happy ending.

Past Continuous

I was wishing I were somewhere else.

You were wishing you could stop time.

He was wishing he hadn’t left.

She was wishing she could hear the music again.

It was wishing it could function correctly.

We were wishing we were on vacation.

They were wishing they could rewind the clock.

Future Continuous

I will be wishing for your success tomorrow.

You will be wishing you were here next week.

He will be wishing for more time.

She will be wishing for a miracle.

It will be wishing to be used.

We will be wishing for good weather during our trip.

They will be wishing for a chance to meet again.

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