Today we’re going to focus on the word WISH.
We use this word a lot, yet many non-native English speakers are not aware that the word “WISH” has a special grammatical structure. We want to help…
Let’s say, for example, you have a wish right now. When you want to talk about something you wish for in the present, you actually use the past tense form of the verb.
Here are some examples:
“I wish I had more money”.
(I wish this right now, but I use the past tense form of the verb “to have”, and I say “I wish I had…”)
“I wish I knew where I left my keys.”
(Again, my missing keys are a current problem, yet I say “I wish I knew..”)
“I wish I spoke English better.”
(If you feel like this about your English right now, this is how you say it)
And here’s another tip about the word “WISH”:
When you want to wish someone “happy birthday” or “good luck”, the grammatical structure is different.
Specifically, it works like this: With fixed expressions for congratulating people on happy occasions, (like birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, graduations, etc.), you need to use this structure:
“We wish you … good luck/a happy birthday/all the best…”
And one final tip for today about the word “WISH”:
You can also use it in the command form.
Let’s say for example, you’re leaving your office to go to a meeting where you will be doing a presentation. In a situation like that, feel free to say something like this to your colleague on your way out:
“Wish me luck!”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I hope today’s post has been helpful. Let us know…
And join us next week for more helpful tips on Mistake-free Mondays.
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