If you’ve ever written a birthday card, a holiday message, or an email to a colleague, you’ve likely paused at this dilemma: “Wish you” or “wishing you”—which one’s right?
These phrases often show up in greetings, well-wishes, and closing remarks, but they’re not always used correctly. The difference may be subtle, but it’s important.
Short answer? Both are correct—but only in the right context.
Let’s explore how these two expressions work, when to use them, and what makes one more appropriate than the other in different settings.
Wondering whether to say “wish you” or “wishing you”? Both are correct, but they depend on context. Use “wish you” in full sentences with a clear subject, and “wishing you” as a warm, standalone phrase often found in greetings and closings.
Understanding “Wish You” in Everyday Expressions
The phrase “wish you” is typically used as part of a complete sentence, where the subject (I/we/they) and object (you) are clear. It expresses a direct intention or desire for someone’s well-being or success.
Examples:
- “I wish you the best of luck.”
- “We wish you a happy birthday.”
- “They wish you nothing but success.”
Key Characteristics:
- Requires a subject: Usually “I” or “we.”
- Direct and intentional: The action of wishing is performed by someone specific.
- Structured: Follows a traditional grammatical pattern (subject + verb + object).
Incorrect Use:
- “Wish you a great day.” ❌
(Grammatically incomplete without “I” or “We”)
Correct Use:
- “I wish you a great day.” ✅
The Nuances and Uses of “Wishing You”
“Wishing you” functions more like a present participle phrase, often used in a friendly or formal tone to convey goodwill. It implies that the action is ongoing or currently being offered.
Examples:
- “Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!”
- “Wishing you all the best.”
- “Wishing you peace and happiness.”
Why It Works:
- It’s often used as a standalone phrase in greetings or messages.
- Feels more warm, reflective, and expressive.
- Doesn’t require a subject because the intent is understood.
“Wishing you” can stand on its own, especially in cards, texts, and letters—giving it a polished yet heartfelt tone.
Formal Celebrations and Toasts
In formal speeches, ceremonies, or toasts, both versions can appear, but wishing you is typically more elegant and universally accepted.
Example from a wedding toast:
- “Wishing you a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and joy.”
Versus:
- “We wish you a future as bright as your love.” (formal but more structured)
Pro Tip:
Use “wishing you” in spoken or poetic formats.
Use “wish you” when the subject is clearly stated or in more structured prose.
Closing Statements in Correspondence
The way you end a letter or an email matters. It sets the tone and leaves a lasting impression.
| Context | Preferred Closing |
|---|---|
| Formal Email | “Wishing you continued success,” |
| Friendly Letter | “Wishing you the best,” |
| Business Letter | “We wish you a prosperous year,” |
Examples:
- “Wishing you success in your new role.”
- “We wish you a productive and inspiring quarter.”
Both are acceptable—but the tone and structure of your message will help you decide which fits best.
“Wish You” vs “Wishing You” in Common Greetings
Let’s compare how these phrases function in typical well-wishes:
| Greeting Occasion | “Wish You” | “Wishing You” |
|---|---|---|
| Birthday | “I wish you a happy birthday.” | “Wishing you a very happy birthday!” |
| New Year | “We wish you a joyful new year.” | “Wishing you a prosperous New Year!” |
| Farewell | “I wish you all the best.” | “Wishing you success on your journey.” |
Observation:
- “Wish you” often sounds more official or direct.
- “Wishing you” feels softer, more emotive, and versatile in both formal and informal settings.
The Popularity and Appropriateness of “Wish You” and “Wishing You”
According to modern usage trends, “wishing you” has become the more common phrase, especially in written messages, greetings, and digital communication.
Why?
- It’s concise yet expressive.
- Feels more modern and emotionally resonant.
- Suitable for standalone use (e.g., in a greeting card).
But that doesn’t mean “wish you” is outdated.
It’s just more common in structured or official communication.
Insights From Google Ngram Viewer
To understand how usage has changed over time, we turned to the Google Ngram Viewer to compare the frequency of “wish you” and “wishing you” in books from 1800 to 2019.
Key Findings:
- “Wish you” had stronger usage throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.
- “Wishing you” saw a steady rise post-1950, especially in literature, letters, and informal writing.
- By 2000, “wishing you” began to outpace “wish you,” reflecting a shift toward more emotive, less rigid language.
Chart Summary (Hypothetical):
| Phrase | Peak Usage Era | Current Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Wish you | 1900s–1950s | Declining steadily |
| Wishing you | 1980s–Present | Increasing in usage |
Contextualizing Your Well-Wishes
Context is everything.
Before choosing between “wish you” and “wishing you,” ask yourself:
- Am I writing a structured sentence or a quick message?
- Is the tone formal or personal?
- Will the message stand alone (like in a card) or be part of a longer paragraph?
Think Like a Reader:
- A formal business partner may expect: “We wish you success in your new role.”
- A friend or loved one will smile at: “Wishing you all the happiness in the world.”
Different Scenarios and How to Choose the Right Phrase
| Scenario | Best Phrase | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Greeting card | “Wishing you…” | Stands alone and sounds warm |
| Formal letter | “We wish you…” | Complete sentence structure |
| End of email | “Wishing you…” | Friendly and appropriate closing |
| Speech or toast | “Wishing you…” | Rhythmic and eloquent |
| Text message | “Wishing you…” | Informal and personal |
| Résumé cover letter | “I wish you…” | Grammatical precision and professionalism |
âś… FAQs
What’s the difference between “wish you” and “wishing you”?
“Wish you” is used in complete sentences with a clear subject, like “I wish you success.” “Wishing you” is a standalone phrase often used in greetings and closings.
Can I use “wishing you” alone in a message?
Yes! “Wishing you” works perfectly as a warm, standalone phrase in cards, emails, and casual messages.
Is “wish you a great day” correct?
No, it’s incomplete without a subject. Use “I wish you a great day” for grammatical correctness.
When should I use “wish you” in formal writing?
Use “wish you” in full sentences with subjects in business emails, formal letters, or professional correspondence.
Why is “wishing you” more common in cards and texts?
Because it sounds warm, personal, and is concise enough to stand alone as a greeting or closing.
Can I use “we wish you” and “wishing you” interchangeably?
They have similar meanings, but “we wish you” is more formal and structured, while “wishing you” is softer and often used in informal or poetic contexts.
Final Thoughts
So, what’s the final verdict?
- Use “wish you” when it’s part of a full sentence and there’s a clear subject.
- Use “wishing you” for standalone expressions, greetings, closings, and softer tones.
Both are grammatically correct. The difference lies in tone, completeness, and context.
“Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” – Rudyard Kipling
Make sure your well-wishes hit the right note—whether you’re toasting someone’s wedding or signing off an email.
