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Which one to use?Intermediateverb / nounverb / noun

hopevswish

One desires something possible, the other desires something impossible or contrary to reality.

Side-by-side comparison

hope
verb / noun

Verb or noun. To desire something that is possible or likely to happen. The situation is realistic.

  • I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow.

    Espero que no llueva mañana.

  • She hopes to get the job.

    Ella espera conseguir el trabajo.

  • We hope you enjoy your stay.

    Esperamos que disfrutes tu estadía.

wish
verb / noun

Verb or noun. To desire something impossible, unlikely, or contrary to current reality. Followed by past subjunctive.

  • I wish I could fly.

    Ojalá pudiera volar.

  • She wishes she had studied harder.

    Ella desearía haber estudiado más.

  • I wish you a happy new year.

    Te deseo un feliz año nuevo.

Common mistake

Using 'hope' for impossible or counterfactual desires. Wrong: "I hope I were taller." (correct: I wish I were taller.)

Trick to remember it

'Hope' = it is possible or realistic (there is a real chance). 'Wish' = it is impossible or contrary to reality (imaginary, unlikely, or past). Grammar clue: 'wish' is followed by past tense ('I wish I HAD...', 'I wish I WERE...').

Quick rule

Is the situation possible in the future? Use 'hope'. Is it impossible, unlikely, or contrary to current reality? Use 'wish'.

Did you know?

In formal English, 'wish' is used to convey good wishes: 'I wish you success', 'We wish you a Merry Christmas', 'Best wishes'. In these phrases there is nothing impossible — it is a formal or affectionate expression, not a counterfactual statement.

Practise what you learned

Exercise 1 · Pick the right one

I _____ I had more free time. I am always so busy.

Exercise 2 · Pick the right one

I _____ to see you again soon.

Exercise 3 · Form the word

"Hope" or "wish"? "She _____ she could speak five languages." Write the correct word.

Hint: Speaking five languages is currently impossible for her.

Frequently asked questions

When do I use "hope" and when do I use "wish"?

Is the situation possible in the future? Use 'hope'. Is it impossible, unlikely, or contrary to current reality? Use 'wish'.

What is the most common mistake with "hope" and "wish"?

Using 'hope' for impossible or counterfactual desires. Wrong: "I hope I were taller." (correct: I wish I were taller.)

How do I remember the difference between "hope" and "wish"?

'Hope' = it is possible or realistic (there is a real chance). 'Wish' = it is impossible or contrary to reality (imaginary, unlikely, or past). Grammar clue: 'wish' is followed by past tense ('I wish I HAD...', 'I wish I WERE...').

BL

Bryan López

Founder of SpeakUP Academy

July 22, 2026

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