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Want, wish, or hope
Want is simply wanting something, wish is for things that are unreal or unlikely, and hope is for things that might really happen.
Quick rule
Something possible? Hope. Something unreal, or a regret? Wish, plus a past form. Simply wanting something? Want.
To desire something: want + a thing, want + to + verb, or want + someone + to + verb.
For things that are unreal or unlikely: I wish I had more time. Also to say what you want for someone: wish you luck.
To want something that is possible: I hope it doesn't rain. It takes the present or future, or to + verb.
How to choose
| Question | want | wish | hope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Does it go with something unreal or too late to change (I had, I were)? | No | Yes | No |
| Can a clause in the present or future follow it (it works)? | No | No | Yes |
| Can a thing come right after it (a coffee)? | Yes | SometimesSometimes | No |
Why it trips people up
Hope looks at something that can still happen, so the verb after it stays in the present or future. Wish looks at something unreal or too late, so the verb shifts back: I wish I knew. Want simply names what you would like.
How each one works
Want
Want + thing
I want a new phone.
Want + to + verb
Do you want to come with us?
Wanting someone to do something
My mom wants me to call her.
Wish
Unreal now: wish + past
I wish I spoke French.
Regret: wish + past perfect
I wish I hadn't said that.
Wishing something for someone
We wish you a happy new year.
Hope
Something possible: hope + present
I hope you feel better soon.
Hope + to + verb: a plan
We're hoping to buy a house next year.
I hope so, I hope not
Will it be sunny tomorrow? I hope so.
What comes next
want plus person plus to plus verb
I want you to meet my sister.
wish plus past simple
I wish I lived near the beach.
wish plus had plus past participle
She wishes she had taken the job.
wish plus person plus thing
Wish me luck!
hope plus present
I hope the bus isn't late.
hope plus to plus verb
They hope to finish by Friday.
Almost the same
I hope I pass the exam.
It can still happen: hope + present.
I wish I had passed the exam.
Too late to change: wish + had.
I want to pass the exam.
It just says what you want.
In a conversation
- A:
I wish I didn't have to work tomorrow.
- B:
Do you want to go to the lake on Sunday instead?
- A:
Sure! I hope the weather stays nice.
- B:
Me too. I'll bring the sandwiches.
Common mistakes
Wrong: I wish I will pass the exam.
Right: I hope I will pass the exam.
For something you want in the future, Cambridge says hope, not wish. Wish is not followed by a present or future verb.
Wrong: I don't hope it rains tomorrow.
Right: I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow.
Hope is not normally made negative. Put the not in the clause after it.
Memory trick
Could it happen? Hope. Is it unreal or too late? Wish, with the verb shifted back (I wish I had). Just saying what you would like? Want.
It depends
- Was or were after wish
- Oxford lists both I wish I were taller and I wish I was taller. Were is the more careful choice in writing.
- I wish you would...
- Wish + would is usually a complaint about someone else, such as a noise or a habit that annoys you.
FAQ
Wish or hope: which is correct?
Use hope for things that can still happen (I hope you feel better) and wish for things that are unreal now (I wish I could help).
"I wish you" or "I hope you"?
I wish you takes a noun: I wish you all the best. I hope you takes a clause: I hope you have a great day.