Wish and hope both express a desire for something, but the grammar and the feeling of possibility are different.
Wish often expresses a desire for something that isn't true or is unlikely, using a past-tense form.
wish full definition →
Hope expresses a desire for something that is still possible, using a present or future form.
hope full definition →
| wish | hope | |
|---|---|---|
| Possibility | Something unlikely or not true now | Something still possible |
| Grammar pattern | wish + past tense: "I wish I knew" | hope + present or future: "I hope I know" |
| Simple test | "I wish I were taller" means I'm not, and can't change it | "I hope it's sunny tomorrow" means it still could be |
Wish is for things that are unlikely or untrue, using a past-tense form. Hope is for things that are still possible.
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