English Reference

00 / Everyday pairs

hope vs wish

Hope describes a desire for a possible or likely future, while wish describes a desire for an impossible situation or something contrary to current reality.

01 / Side by side

  • hope

    Desiring something that could actually happen.

    I hope the weather stays clear for our outdoor wedding this Saturday.

  • wish

    Wanting a reality that doesn't exist.

    I wish I could speak five languages fluently without any effort.

    He wishes he had taken that job offer in London last year.

02 / Watch out

  • Wrong: I wish that you have a great time at the party tonight.Right: I hope that you have a great time at the party tonight.

  • Wrong: I hope I were taller so I could reach the top shelf.Right: I wish I were taller so I could reach the top shelf.

03 / Remember

Hope is for possibilities; wish is for fantasies.

04 / Quick check

Fill the gap with one of the two options.

  1. 1.

    The doctors the new treatment will lead to a full recovery.

  2. 2.

    I the local gym adds more power yoga classes to the schedule next month.

  3. 3.

    Fans the new fantasy series on the streaming platform gets renewed for a second season.

  4. 4.

    I my outdated electric car had a longer battery range for these weekend road trips.

05 / More like this

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