When learning a new language, mastering the verbs that express wishes is crucial. These verbs are essential for articulating desires, hopes, and hypothetical situations. In English, several verbs perform this function, and understanding their nuances can greatly enhance your language proficiency. This article will delve into the most common verbs that convey wishes, their grammatical structures, and provide examples to clarify their usage.
Common Verbs Expressing Wishes
Several key verbs are commonly used to express wishes in English. These include *wish*, *hope*, *want*, *desire*, *would like*, and *long for*. Each of these verbs has its own distinct context and usage, which we will explore in detail.
Wish
The verb *wish* is often used to express a desire for something that is not currently true or possible. It is frequently used in hypothetical or unreal situations. The structure of sentences using *wish* varies depending on the tense:
1. **Present Wishes**: When expressing a wish about the present, the verb in the subordinate clause is usually in the simple past tense.
– Example: “I *wish* I *had* more free time.”
2. **Past Wishes**: When wishing about the past, the verb in the subordinate clause is in the past perfect tense.
– Example: “I *wish* I *had studied* harder for the exam.”
3. **Future Wishes**: When expressing a wish about the future, we often use *could* or *would*.
– Example: “I *wish* I *could go* to the concert next week.”
It’s important to note that when using *wish*, the reality is often the opposite of what is being wished for.
Hope
The verb *hope* is used to express a desire for something that is possible or likely to happen. It conveys a sense of optimism and is typically followed by a clause in the present or future tense.
1. **Present Hopes**: When expressing hope about the present, the verb in the subordinate clause is usually in the present simple tense.
– Example: “I *hope* you *are* feeling better.”
2. **Future Hopes**: When expressing hope about the future, the verb in the subordinate clause can be in the present simple or future tense.
– Example: “I *hope* they *will arrive* on time.”
Unlike *wish*, *hope* does not imply that the desired situation is unlikely or impossible.
Want
The verb *want* is straightforward and is used to express a desire for something. It can be followed by a noun, pronoun, or an infinitive verb.
1. **With Nouns or Pronouns**:
– Example: “I *want* a new car.”
– Example: “She *wants* him to succeed.”
2. **With Infinitive Verbs**:
– Example: “They *want* to travel the world.”
*Want* is more direct and forceful than *wish* or *hope*, and it is used in everyday conversation to articulate desires.
Would Like
The phrase *would like* is a polite way to express a desire or wish. It is often used in more formal or courteous contexts.
1. **With Nouns or Pronouns**:
– Example: “I *would like* a cup of tea, please.”
– Example: “She *would like* him to join us.”
2. **With Infinitive Verbs**:
– Example: “We *would like* to invite you to our wedding.”
*Would like* is softer and more polite than *want*, making it suitable for requests and offers.
Desire
The verb *desire* is a more formal and intense way to express a strong wish or longing for something. It is less commonly used in everyday conversation but can be found in literary or formal contexts.
1. **With Nouns or Pronouns**:
– Example: “He *desires* a position of power.”
– Example: “They *desire* peace and harmony.”
2. **With Infinitive Verbs**:
– Example: “She *desires* to make a difference in the world.”
*Desire* often conveys a deep, intense longing and is more formal than *want*.
Long For
The phrase *long for* expresses a deep, often melancholic desire for something. It suggests a sense of yearning or craving.
1. **With Nouns or Pronouns**:
– Example: “He *longs for* the days of his youth.”
– Example: “They *long for* a sense of belonging.”
*Long for* is evocative and emotional, often used to express a deep, heartfelt wish.
Grammatical Structures and Usage
Understanding the grammatical structures associated with these verbs is essential for using them correctly. Let’s explore the different structures and their applications.
Wish + Simple Past
When using *wish* to express a present wish, the verb in the subordinate clause is usually in the simple past tense. This structure is used to talk about unreal or hypothetical situations.
– Example: “I *wish* I *knew* the answer.”
– Explanation: The speaker doesn’t know the answer, but they desire to.
Wish + Past Perfect
When expressing a wish about the past, the verb in the subordinate clause is in the past perfect tense. This structure reflects regret or a desire for a different past outcome.
– Example: “I *wish* I *had gone* to the party.”
– Explanation: The speaker did not go to the party, but they regret it and wish they had.
Wish + Could/Would
For future wishes, *wish* is often followed by *could* or *would*. This structure expresses a desire for something to happen in the future.
– Example: “I *wish* I *could* travel more often.”
– Example: “She *wishes* he *would call* her.”
Hope + Present Simple
When using *hope* to express a present wish or desire, the verb in the subordinate clause is typically in the present simple tense.
– Example: “I *hope* you *enjoy* the meal.”
– Explanation: The speaker is expressing a desire for the listener to enjoy the meal currently.
Hope + Future Simple
When expressing hope for the future, the verb in the subordinate clause can be in the present simple or future tense.
– Example: “I *hope* they *will come* to the party.”
– Explanation: The speaker desires that the people will attend the party in the future.
Want + Noun/Pronoun
*Want* can be followed directly by a noun or pronoun to express a desire for something.
– Example: “She *wants* a new dress.”
– Example: “They *want* him to succeed.”
Want + Infinitive
When expressing a desire to do something, *want* is followed by an infinitive verb.
– Example: “I *want* to learn a new language.”
– Example: “He *wants* to become a doctor.”
Would Like + Noun/Pronoun
*Would like* can also be followed by a noun or pronoun to politely express a desire for something.
– Example: “I *would like* a glass of water.”
– Example: “They *would like* her to join the team.”
Would Like + Infinitive
When expressing a polite desire to do something, *would like* is followed by an infinitive verb.
– Example: “We *would like* to thank you for your support.”
– Example: “She *would like* to visit the museum.”
Desire + Noun/Pronoun
*Desire* can be followed by a noun or pronoun to express a formal or intense wish for something.
– Example: “He *desires* wealth and power.”
– Example: “She *desires* his approval.”
Desire + Infinitive
When expressing a formal or intense wish to do something, *desire* is followed by an infinitive verb.
– Example: “They *desire* to make a significant impact.”
– Example: “He *desires* to lead the organization.”
Long For + Noun/Pronoun
*Long for* is followed by a noun or pronoun to express a deep, emotional desire for something.
– Example: “She *longs for* the comfort of her hometown.”
– Example: “He *longs for* companionship.”
Contextual Usage
Understanding the contextual usage of these verbs is vital for accurate and effective communication. Here are some tips and examples to help you use these verbs appropriately in different contexts.
Everyday Conversations
In casual, everyday conversations, *want* and *hope* are commonly used to express desires and wishes. They are straightforward and easily understood.
– Example: “I *want* a sandwich for lunch.”
– Example: “I *hope* you have a great day.”
Polite Requests and Offers
In more formal or polite contexts, *would like* is often used to make requests or offers. It conveys a sense of courtesy and respect.
– Example: “I *would like* a moment of your time, please.”
– Example: “We *would like* to invite you to our event.”
Formal and Literary Contexts
*Desire* and *long for* are more likely to be found in formal or literary contexts. They convey a deeper or more intense emotion and are less commonly used in everyday conversation.
– Example: “She *desires* a life of adventure.”
– Example: “He *longs for* the days of his youth.”
Expressing Regrets and Hypotheticals
*Wish* is particularly useful for expressing regrets and hypothetical situations. It is often used to talk about things that are not true or possible.
– Example: “I *wish* I *had known* about the meeting earlier.”
– Example: “They *wish* they *could* travel more often.”
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of these verbs, here are some practice exercises. Try to fill in the blanks with the appropriate verb and form.
1. I ________ I had more time to spend with my family.
2. She ________ to become a successful artist.
3. They ________ for the return of their loved ones.
4. We ________ you all the best in your new job.
5. He ________ a new car for his birthday.
Answers:
1. wish
2. wants
3. long
4. hope
5. wants
Conclusion
Mastering the verbs that express wishes is a crucial step in becoming proficient in English. Understanding the nuances and grammatical structures of *wish*, *hope*, *want*, *would like*, *desire*, and *long for* can greatly enhance your ability to articulate your desires and hypothetical situations. By practicing these verbs in various contexts, you can improve your fluency and communicate more effectively. Remember, the key to mastering any language is consistent practice and application. Happy learning!
