Wish is most commonly used in hypothetical (or imagined) situations:
I wish that I had a dog. (I don't really have a dog, but if I did, I would be happy.)
I wish (that) you were here. (Unfortunately, you're not, and I miss you.)
Sometimes wish is used in greeting and expressions of goodwill:
We wish you a "Merry
Christmas."
They wished him "Happy Birthday."
Wish me luck.
(S V IO DO)
Hope
can also be used in expressions of goodwill, but the grammar
is slightly different:
I hope (that) you have a
Merry Christmas.
I hope (that) you had a nice Birthday.
(some time in the future)
(some time in the past)
Hopecan be used to specify a desired outcome. For future
hopes, the possibilities remain open, but for past hopes,
the outcome has usually been determined already.
I hope you can come to
the party on Saturday.
I was hoping that you
would come to the party.
I had hoped to see you at
the party on Saturday.
I hope to get an A on the
exam.
I hope it doesn't rain
tomorrow.
He hopes to be elected
President.
She hoped you wouldn't
find her.
(future possibility)
(but you didn't make it)
(but I didn't)
(it is still possible)
(although it might)
(it could happen)
(but you probably did)
Wish
and hope
are also used in certain types of requests and pleasantries.
In such situations, wish carries a more definite and formal
tone.
I wish to see the doctor.
I hope to see you again.
(right now)
(anytime in the future)
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