How to Use ‘Wish’ in the Future: A Simple Guide

Using the verb “wish” can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to talking about the future. However, with some practice and understanding of the grammar rules, you can easily express your hopes and desires for the future using “wish.”

When we use “wish” to talk about the future, we need to be careful about the verb tense we use. It’s important to remember that we don’t use “will” or “can” to talk about wishes for the future. Instead, we use the past tense modals “would” and “could.”

In this article, we’ll go over the different ways to use “wish” in the future tense. We’ll provide examples and explain the grammar rules so that you can confidently express your wishes and hopes for the future in English.

Understanding the concept of “Wish”

Wish is a verb used to express a desire for something that is not currently possible or unlikely to happen. It can be used to talk about the present, the past, and the future. In this section, we will focus on how to use wish in the future.

When we use wish to talk about the future, we are expressing a desire for something that we know is impossible or unlikely to happen. We use the past tense of the verb after wish to show that we are talking about something that cannot be changed. For example:

• I wish I could speak French fluently. (I know I can’t, but I would like to)
• She wishes she could go to the party tonight. (She can’t go, but she would like to)

It is important to note that when we use wish to talk about the future, we are not making a prediction or expressing a possibility. We are simply expressing a desire for something that we know cannot happen.

Another way to express a future desire is by using the modal verbs “would” or “could”. For example:

• I don’t like my job. I wish I could get a better one. (I know it’s not possible, but I would like to)
• He wishes he would win the lottery. (He knows it’s unlikely, but he would like to)

However, it is important to note that using “would” or “could” to express a future desire is not the same as using wish. When we use “would” or “could”, we are expressing a possibility or a hypothetical situation. When we use wish, we are expressing a desire for something that we know cannot happen.

Using “Wish” to Express Future Desires

Using “Wish” with the Simple Past Tense

When using “wish” to express future desires with the simple present tense, we use the structure “wish + subject + simple past tense verb”. This structure is used to express a desire for something to be different in the future from how it is now.

For example:

• I wish I had a car. (I don’t have a car now, but I want to have one in the future.)
• She wishes she could speak French. (She can’t speak French now, but she wants to be able to in the future.)

Using “Wish” with the Present Continuous Tense

When using “wish” to express future desires with the present continuous tense, we use the structure “wish + subject + to be + present participle verb”. This structure is used to express a desire for something to be happening in the future.

For example:

• I wish I was going to the beach tomorrow. (I’m not going to the beach tomorrow, but I want to.)
• He wishes he was staying in a five-star hotel next week. (He’s not staying in a five-star hotel next week, but he wants to.)

Using “Wish” with the Simple Future Tense

When using “wish” to express future desires with the simple future tense, we use the structure “wish + subject + would + base form of verb”. This structure is used to express a desire for someone else to do something in the future.

For example:

• I wish my boss would give me a raise. (I want my boss to give me a raise in the future.)
• She wishes her husband would do the dishes tonight. (She wants her husband to do the dishes in the future.)

Using “Hope” for Future Wishes

When it comes to expressing future wishes, “hope” is the preferred verb. Unlike “wish,” “hope” is used to express a desire for something that is possible or likely to happen in the future. Here are some examples:

• I hope I get the job.
• She hopes to travel to Europe next year.
• We hope the weather is nice for the picnic.

As you can see, “hope” is often used with the simple present tense to express a future wish. However, it can also be used with other tenses to express different shades of meaning. For example, “hope” can be used with the present continuous tense to express a future plan or intention:

• I am hoping to finish my project by Friday.
• They are hoping to buy a new car next month.

Alternatively, “hope” can be used with the future tense to express a more definite future wish:

• I hope I will be able to attend the conference next year.
• She hopes she will have time to visit her family over the holidays.

Overall, using “hope” for future wishes is a more natural and appropriate choice than using “wish.” However, it’s important to remember that “hope” is used to express a desire for something that is possible or likely to happen, whereas “wish” is used to express a desire for something that is unlikely or impossible to happen.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using “wish” in the future can be tricky, and there are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Using “would” instead of the base form of the verb: Remember that “wish” is followed by the base form of the verb, not “would.” For example, instead of saying “I wish I would go to the party,” you should say “I wish I could go to the party.”
• Forgetting to use “that” after “wish”: When you use “wish” to express a desire for something to be different in the future, you need to include “that” after “wish.” For example, instead of saying “I wish I will get a promotion,” you should say “I wish that I will get a promotion.”
• Using the wrong tense: Make sure you are using the correct tense when you use “wish” in the future. For example, if you want to express a desire for something to be different in the present, you should use the past simple tense after “wish.” If you want to express a desire for something to be different in the future, you should use the would + base form of the verb.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can use “wish” in the future correctly and effectively.

Conclusion

Using “wish” to talk about the future can be a tricky business. There are several different tenses and structures to choose from, depending on what you want to say and how you want to say it. However, with a little practice and some careful attention to the rules, you can become fluent in using “wish” to express your hopes and dreams for the future.

Remember, when using “wish” to talk about the future, you’ll need to pay close attention to the tense of the verb that follows. If you’re expressing a hypothetical or unlikely situation, you’ll typically use “were” instead of “was,” and you may need to use “would” or “could” to express the desired outcome.

In addition, it’s important to keep in mind that “wish” is just one of many tools you can use to talk about the future. Depending on the situation, you may also want to use other future tenses, such as the future simple, the future continuous, or the future perfect.

Ultimately, the key to using “wish” effectively is to practice, practice, practice. Try out different structures and tenses in a variety of contexts, and pay attention to how native speakers use “wish” in everyday conversation. With time and effort, you’ll soon be able to use “wish” with confidence and ease.