Hope to, Hope That and Wish I Could
By the end: I can distinguish a desired possibility from a wish about a present limitation.
Try the activities, then check your answers.
Try the activities, then check your answers.
Choose a short recording.
Hope for your own action
Hope to plus a base verb expresses a desired possibility, normally with the same person doing both actions.
I hope to finish today.
She hopes to visit next month.
Hope about a situation
Hope plus a clause can include a different subject. That is optional. A future will or an appropriate present form can fit the context.
I hope that you can come.
We hope the weather will improve.
A full clause can introduce a different actor
The clause states the hoped-for situation.
The two actors stay the same when that is omitted.
Wish about a limitation
Wish I could often expresses wanting an ability or opportunity that is unavailable or difficult now. It does not say it can never change.
I wish I could join you, but I’m working.
She wishes she could drive.
Guided practice
Say or write your answer first. Compare form and meaning with the model.
1. Complete: We hope ___ arrive before six.
Compare a model and explanation
to
Hope to uses an infinitive for the same actor.
2. Correct: I hope to you come.
Compare a model and explanation
I hope you can come.
Use a clause for a different subject.
3. Complete: She ___ to study abroad. Use hope.
Compare a model and explanation
hopes
She takes hopes.
4. Express a current limitation: I cannot come, but I want to.
Compare a model and explanation
I wish I could come.
The wish concerns the unavailable opportunity.
5. Does I hope to finish mean finishing is guaranteed?
Compare a model and explanation
No.
Hope is a desired possibility.
6. Does I wish I could drive mean driving will be impossible forever?
Compare a model and explanation
No.
The wish expresses a current limitation, not necessarily a permanent one.
7. Give a same-subject and a different-subject hope.
Compare a model and explanation
I hope to visit. I hope you can join me.
Choose infinitive or clause according to the actors.
8. Make a contrast: possible plan to attend Friday; impossible attendance today.
Compare a model and explanation
I hope to attend on Friday. I wish I could come today, but I can’t.
Keep the different situations clear.
A short conversation
Listen first, then open the transcript when useful.
Open the conversation transcript
A: I hope to visit you next month.
B: I hope you can. Are you free this weekend?
A: No. I wish I could come, but I have to work.
B: Let’s look at next month, then.
Listening checks
Listen to each extract or open its transcript. These three questions have a separate score.
Mastery quiz
Choose the best answer for each situation. The score is out of eight.
Use it in your own words
Speaking 1
Give two realistic hopes using hope to.
Reveal a possible response
I hope to finish my course. I hope to visit a friend.
Success check: Do not present them as guarantees.
Speaking 2
State a hope about someone else and a wish about a current limitation.
Reveal a possible response
I hope you can come. I wish I could stay longer, but I have work.
Success check: Keep the actors and circumstances clear.
Put it all together
Discuss a possible future meeting while acknowledging a present obstacle.
Reveal a possible response
I hope to visit next month. I hope your sister can join us. I wish I could come this week, but I can’t take time off.
Success check: Separate possibility from the currently blocked wish.
Take it with you
I can distinguish a desired possibility from a wish about a present limitation.