What are the definitions of “wish for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Desire or want something.
We know what she’ll be wishing for on her birthday.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “wish for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wish for is to desire or want something. It is often used when talking about hopes, dreams, or things that people want to happen in the future.
What are the different verb forms of “wish for”?
| Root Verb | wish for |
| Third Person Singular Present | wishes for |
| Present Participle | wishing for |
| Simple Past | wished for |
| Past Participle | wished for |
Example
I always wish for good health and happiness.
Example
She wishes for a new bicycle for her birthday.
Example
He is wishing for a promotion at work.
Example
Last year, they wished for a vacation to Europe.
Example
She had always wished for a chance to study abroad.
What kind of phrasal verb is “wish for”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“wish for” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
I wish for a better future.
Example
She wished for a new car.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“wish for” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
I wish for a better future.
Example
She wished for a new car.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “wish for”?
Wish for the impossible
To desire something that cannot happen or is very unlikely.
Example
Sometimes, I wish for the impossible, like a world without any problems.
Good things to know
Does “wish for” have an informal or formal tone?
Wish for is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as speeches, presentations, or written communication.
