I wish vs I hope

[eduberti]

Can somebody explain the difference in use of wish and hope? Thanks a lot!

Eduardo

[banderas]

They are very similar but wish is mainly used with the conditional or subjunctive.

[iodim]

Use wish that (+ past/past perfect tense) for things that cannot happen or will probably not happen: 'I wish I hadn't told them my address.' 'I wish you could stay here longer.' (= this will probably not happen)
Use hope that (+ present/present perfect tense) for things that may easily happen or may easily have happened: 'I hope you've had a successful trip.' 'We hope you all have a very merry Christmas.'When wish is used for this meaning, the object is a noun phrase (NOT a that clause): 'I wish you a safe journey.' 'We'd like to wish you all a very merry Christmas.'