Wish or Wishes – Which is Correct? (Helpful Examples)

We can use “wish” in a variety of ways. It can either be a verb or a noun, and the same applies to the form “wishes.” It might help to know more about when we can use “wish” and “wishes” as separate verb forms.

Wish or Wishes – Which is Correct?

“Wish” as a verb is correct in the first-person singular or plural form (i.e. “we wish you”). As a noun, it is correct as the singular form. “Wishes” as a verb is correct in the third-person singular form (i.e. “he wishes you”). As a noun, it is only the plural form.

wish or wishes

The noun forms are a little bit easier to get your head around. If only one “wish” is mentioned, then you should know that “wish” is the singular form.

However, if multiple “wishes” appear in the context, then you must add the “-es” ending to show that it is a plural noun form.

When to Use “Wish”

“Wish” is correct as the singular noun form or the base verb form. As a verb, it should be used when first-person singular or plural pronouns are present (like “we” or “I”). As a noun, it is only correct if a singular “wish” is being spoken about.

If you’re looking for a simple explanation of how to use “wish” in a sentence, perhaps these examples will give you a better clue:

  1. I wish you all the best, but I really don’t see how this is going to pay off for you. I’m worried about it!
  2. You made a wish the other day, but I need to know what it was! I want to make sure it comes true, and I need you to tell me.
  3. What was your wish? Didn’t you say it had something to do with your parents? Is there anything I can do to help you out?
  4. We wish you a Merry Christmas! Hopefully, this one will be a lot nicer than the one we had to experience last year.
  5. They wish you happiness. I already spoke to them about it. They’re just not ready to come and see you yet.
  6. I wish you could have been there to see that! It was the funniest thing I’ve seen in a very long time!
  7. You wish! I’m not going to change myself just because you told me to. I’m quite happy with the way I am right now.

When to Use “Wishes”

“Wishes” is correct as the plural noun form or the third-person verb form. As a verb form, you must make sure to include third-person singular pronouns. This includes things like “he,” “she,” and “it.” “Wishes” as a noun form implies that multiple “wishes” are being sent.

Here are a few examples of how to use “wishes” in a sentence, both as a noun and a verb:

  1. He wishes he could get his hands on something as precious as this. I doubt he’s ever seen something so beautiful before.
  2. She wishes that it was about her. She’s always trying to be the center of attention, and I hate that.
  3. How many wishes did you make in the end? I’m sure there’s a lot more that we can do to make sure they come true.
  4. I’m going to have to tell you my birthday wishes, aren’t I? I want to make sure they all come true! I need your help.
  5. Best wishes to you and yours! I hope you get everything that you want out of this new chapter in your life! I’m excited for you.
  6. You have all of my wishes at your disposal. I hope they’re going to be enough to help you out of this mess.
  7. Everyone wishes you well. We just want to see you back as soon as possible! You deserve to feel better quickly!

Is “Wishes” Singular or Plural?

“Wishes” is a plural noun form. It is correct when you are referring to multiple instances of a “wish.” Usually, when a group of people “wish” for someone to get well, all of their “wishes” are taken as separate entities (thus allowing it to be a plural form).

Thank You For The Wish or Wishes?

“Thank you for the wish” and “thank you for the wishes” are both correct. However, “thank you for the wishes” tends to be more natural because you will often direct an appreciative sentence like this toward a group of people (thus requiring the plural form).

“Thank you for the wish” only works if you’re talking to a single person, and you know they’ve only presented a single “wish” to you (which is a very strange situation to be in).

  • Thank you for the wish. I’m glad you told me what it was.
  • Thank you for the wishes. I can’t wait to see you all again.

Birthday Wish or Wishes?

“Birthday wish” is correct when someone is hoping for something to come true on their birthday. It is usually in the singular form (more than one wish is “greedy”). “Birthday wishes” is not used because it’s traditional to only get one “wish” on your birthday. It is still grammatical, though.

  • My birthday wish has come true! I’m so grateful!
  • I have not said anything about my birthday wishes yet.

Company Wish or Wishes?

“Company wishes” is correct when “wishes” is used as a verb form. This works because “company” is a third-person singular form, meaning that only “wishes” works. “Company wish” is incorrect because “wish” does not work as a verb form when the third-person singular is used.

  • Correct: The company wishes you all the best.
  • Incorrect: The company wish to send you on a cruise.

Best Wish or Wishes To You?

“Best wishes to you” is correct because it often refers to a collective amount of “wishes.” This always requires the plural form to use it correctly. “Best wish to you” is incorrect because the singular form of “wish” is never appropriate in this context.

  • Correct: I lend my best wishes to you in these difficult times.
  • Incorrect: Best wish to you, of course!

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Is It “Best Wishes To You” or “Best Wishes For You”?
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