Cool MateHope vs Wish
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Hope | Wish | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | To believe that something good will happen. | A desire or hope for something to happen. |
| CEFR level | A1 | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in both spoken and written English. Appropriate in most contexts, though more formal settings may prefer 'anticipate' or 'expect'. Avoid using with certainty. | Used to express a desire for something that is unlikely or impossible. Common in informal contexts; less appropriate in very formal writing. |
Frequently asked questions: Hope vs Wish
What's the difference between "Hope" and "Wish"?
"Hope" means: To believe that something good will happen. "Wish" means: A desire or hope for something to happen.
When should I use "Hope" and "Wish"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Hope" and "Wish" the same CEFR level?
"Hope" is at A1, "Wish" is at A2 on the CEFR scale.