Expressing Hope
Expressing Hope
The Difference Between "Wish" and "Hope"
Understanding the difference between "wish" and "hope" can help you express your desires and expectations more accurately in English.
How to Use "Wish"
Hypothetical Situations:
"Wish" is commonly used in hypothetical or imagined situations, where the scenario is contrary to reality or unlikely to happen.
- Example:
I wish (that) you were here.
(Unfortunately, you're not, and I miss you.)
Greetings and Expressions of Goodwill:
"Wish" is also used in set phrases for greetings or expressing goodwill.
- Example:
We wish you a Merry Christmas.
How to Use "Hope"
Expressions of Goodwill:
"Hope" can be used similarly to "wish" for expressing goodwill, but the grammar differs slightly.
- Examples:
I hope (that) you have a Merry Christmas.
(future)
I hope (that) you had a nice birthday.
(past)
Desired Outcomes:
"Hope" is used to specify a desired outcome. For future hopes, the outcome is still possible. For past hopes, the outcome has typically been determined.
- Examples:
I hope you can come to the party on Saturday.
(future possibility)
I was hoping that you would come to the party.
(but you didn't)
I had hoped to see you at the party on Saturday.
(but I didn't)
Other Ways to Express Hope
You can also express hope and desires in the following ways:
- I would like to have a car.
- I really want to have a car.
- What I really want is to have a car.
Remember:
- Regretful Wishes:
When you use "wish" to express regret about something that didn't happen in the past, it indicates annoyance or disappointment.- Example:
I wish you had done the work.
(You didn't do the work, and I am annoyed about it.)
- Example: