Wish and Hope - What's the Difference? The PELA English Blog (2024)

FAQs

Wish and Hope - What's the Difference? The PELA English Blog? ›

For example: When we say “I hope I can see you again” or “I hope we meet again,” you suggest that it may happen. It is possible. The noun clause that follows “hope” is in the present tense. However, if you say: “I wish we could meet again” or “I wish we could be together again,” you suggest that it's unlikely.

Both of these words refer to one's future desires. However, we use 'wish' to show what someone longs for, but in most cases, it is not possible for them to get what they want. It is just what they think of having, whereas, 'hope' refers to how someone is looking forward to something happening.

While “wish” is used for hypothetical or unreal situations, “hope” is used for real possibilities. For example, “I wish I had a bigger house” expresses a desire for something currently unattainable, while “I hope I get a bigger house” implies that there is a real possibility of obtaining a bigger house.

To express a future desire, hope usually takes a simple present verb, and wish mostly follows the pattern of the second conditional (i.e., using would and other past patterns). In the past, wish follows the pattern of the third conditional (i.e., using had + p.p.).

Hope means that you want something in the future. "I hope I pass my test." Want is just you would like something. "I want to eat a cookie." Wish is similar to hope, but usually it is not used for yourself. You could say, "I wish that you pass your test." but not "I wish that I pass my test."

The meaning would not change in the particular situation. Chandler could equally properly say 'I wish' or "I'm wishing' that 'everybody isn't here'. We can use the present continuous about something which is happening in the present ("right now") if we wish to emphasise that it is happening at the present time.

While both 'want' and 'wish' express a desire for something, 'wish' often implies improbability or impossibility of realization of the desire while 'want' is used for more accessible or probable desires and implies a sense of actively pursuing or striving for the desired outcome.

There are five types of wishes: to have, to give, to meet, to be and to go.

I hope that you had a good time. (Meaning = You went to the party, and I desire that you had a good time (it's what I want)) I wish that you had had a good time. (Meaning = You went to the party, but did not have a good time.

Where do we use hope? ›

We use hope to express good intentions and wishes for the future: I hope we can see each other soon. Not: I wish we can see each other soon.

to want something to happen and think that it is possible hope (for something) We are hoping for good weather on Sunday. All we can do now is wait and hope. “Do you think it will rain?” “I hope not.” “Will you be back before dark?” “I hope so, yes.” The exam went better than I'd hoped. I'll see you next week, I hope.

Hope as a verb

After hope, we often use present verb forms even when there is reference to the future: We hope she passes her driving test next week. I just hope the bus is on time tomorrow.

: to have a desire for (something, such as something unattainable) wished he could live his life over. 2. : to give expression to as a wish : bid. wish them good night.

Similarly, Duncan-Andrade (2009) states that there are three kinds of hope: (1) Material Hope, which is the sense of control when given the resources to deal with forces that affect everyday lives; (2) Socractic Hope, which provides opportunities to question the unjust society; and (3) Audacious Hope, which provides ...

A hope. Because the word “hope” is starting with a consonant sound.

“I hope” is used for realistic expectations: I hope I pass this test. I hope I get a new iphone for Christmas. “I wish” is used for unreal situations, or expectations that you don't really expect to happen: I wish I were king of the world. I wish my mother would buy me a pony.

For example: When we say “I hope I can see you again” or “I hope we meet again,” you suggest that it may happen. It is possible. The noun clause that follows “hope” is in the present tense. However, if you say: “I wish we could meet again” or “I wish we could be together again,” you suggest that it's unlikely.