All Ears English Podcast: Episode 2533 – “What Are You Wishing For Your English?”

Hosts: Lindsay McMahon (A) & Aubrey Carter (B)
Release Date: December 18, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Lindsay and Aubrey explore the usage of “wish” and “wishing” in everyday American English—how native speakers use these words to express regret, hope for others, or personal desires. The hosts offer clear examples, a role-play, and highlight subtle differences in tone and formality when using “wish/wishing.” The conversation is aimed at intermediate to advanced English learners and includes reflections on cultural practices and practical takeaways for authentic connection.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cultural Practice: Wishing on Birthday Candles (02:30–03:37)

• Aubrey asks Lindsay if she made wishes when blowing out birthday candles as a kid.

  • Lindsay: “I did. I wished for...I wanted a horse when I was a kid and I was never going to get a horse.” (02:37)
  • Lindsay notes she did this for several years in a row and was secretive about her wish.

• Aubrey reflects she didn't follow this tradition, suggesting it might be more cultural than universal.

  • Aubrey: “I don't know if my family really talked about that...I saw in movies a couple times, like make a wish and I'm like, what? Okay. Interesting, right?” (03:14)

• They set up a Spotify poll to ask listeners about birthday wish customs in their countries.

2. Main Topic Introduction: Uses of “Wish” and “Wishing” (03:37–04:44)

• The episode continues from a related topic on their Business English podcast, contrasting expressions like “I was thinking” and “I was hoping” with “I was wishing.”
• Aubrey explains: “We use ['wishing'] three different ways in English...we don't use 'I was wishing' in the same way.” (03:38)

3. Grammar and Usage Breakdown (05:31–07:22)

A. Expressing Regret in the Moment (“I’m wishing...”)

• Aubrey: “I'm wishing I had brought a jacket. It's colder than I expected.” (05:36)
• Lindsay: “Or, this traffic is awful, I'm wishing I had checked the Waze app before leaving.” (05:44)
• Interchangeable with “I wish…” but “I’m wishing…” is more immediate and emotional.

B. Expressing General, Lasting Wishes (“I wish...”)

• Used for broader hopes:
  • Aubrey: “I wish I could be there to celebrate with you...we wouldn't say 'I'm wishing I could be there'…” (05:58)

C. Wishing Well for Others (Cards, Notes, Formal Writing)

• Set expressions drop the subject:

  • Aubrey: “Wishing you the best on your exam tomorrow.” (06:48)
  • Lindsay: “Wishing you a speedy recovery. This is kind of in line with...best wishes for a speedy recovery.” (06:51)

• Aubrey identifies these as idiomatic, used mainly in written messages, not spoken conversation.

  Aubrey (07:31): “I thought about this a little bit. I'm like, it would feel so strange if someone wrote, 'I'm wishing you a speedy recovery.'...if you write, 'I'm wishing you the best,' you're putting up this wall of formality...”

Notable Quotes & Insights

• On nuances of “wishing”:

  Lindsay (13:08): “Maybe saying 'I'm wishing' instead of 'I wish' in this moment is a little bit more visceral. Right? Like you're expressing your pain a little bit more.”

• On written vs. spoken language:

  Aubrey (12:24): “There's like, spoken English and written English, and some phrases like this are really only written. It felt as I said it there. I'm like, this feels weird. I would just say, well, good luck.”

Role Play Demonstration (11:16–14:47)

Scenario: At a New England fall festival

• Aubrey: “I'm wishing I hadn't worn these shoes. They are not very comfortable.” (11:19)
• Lindsay: “I wish I had grabbed my coat before we left. It's freezing out here.” (11:26)
• Aubrey: “It is so cold. Honestly, I'm wishing for a hot chocolate right now.” (11:29)
• Lindsay: “Oh, good idea. Let's see if any of the food trucks have one.” (11:34)
• Aubrey: “By the way, isn't your interview tomorrow? Well, wishing you luck. I'm sure you'll do awesome.” (11:38)

Reflection:

• The hosts break down the role play, noting how “I'm wishing…” is particularly apt for expressing present, visceral regret.
• “Wishing you luck” is acknowledged as more suitable for cards or notes than chatting face-to-face—prompting laughter and an “aha” about register.

Memorable Moments

• Cultural connection: Learning that birthday candle wishes may not be universal sparks curiosity about global customs.
• Language tip: The distinction between written and spoken forms—dropping “I'm” in “wishing you luck” for a card, but not saying it in conversation—reveals a subtle but important aspect of native English use.
• Personal share: The anecdote about longing for a horse as a child builds rapport and humanizes language learning.

Important Timestamps

• 02:30–03:37: Birthday candle wishing (culture)
• 05:31–07:22: Grammar breakdown—three main uses of “wish” & “wishing”
• 11:16–14:47: Role play at a fall festival, live usage demonstration
• 13:08–13:31: Subtle differences in tone between “I wish” and “I’m wishing”

Final Takeaways & Tips

• Using “wish” and “wishing” correctly helps English learners connect more deeply and naturally in conversation and writing.

  Aubrey (15:33): “A great way to connect with other people in English is expressing regret, expressing what you wish were different, what you would change...and also sharing what you wish for someone.”

• Remember:
  • Use “I’m wishing…” for immediate feelings/regret.
  • Use “I wish…” for general, persistent hopes.
  • Use “Wishing you…” (no subject!) for written good wishes, not spoken exchanges.

Listen to their related Business English episode for more on expressing desire (“think” vs. “thinking” vs. “hope”).

Hosts encourage feedback via Spotify poll about cultural birthday wish traditions.

For ESL learners:
This episode is packed with practical examples and friendly, relatable language tips—ideal for anyone looking to sound more natural, form connections, and understand American English nuances!