English phrase from drama scenes
What Does "wish that were" Mean?
Learn what "wish that were" means, when people say it, and how to use it naturally in English.
Advanced
Neutral
Soft
Express Doubt
I wish that were the case but it isn't.
It means the speaker would like the claim to be true, but knows it is not.
From I Think My Wife Wants To Kill Me S2, Episode 6
When do people say this?
Scene Context
He says he wishes the situation were true, but it is not.
Usage Scenario
Use this to respond politely when you want something to be true but it isn't. It sounds somewhat formal or reflective.
Better ways to say it
1
I wish that were true, but it isn't.
2
I wish that were the case, but it isn't.
3
I'd like that to be true, but it isn't.
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