How to Wish Other People Well

Imagine you are talking to a friend. Your friend tells you that he has a big test or job interview appears soon.

This is a good time to wish them well.

But how does one do it?

In today’s everyday grammar, we will explore a connection point between grammar and social situations. You will learn polite, friendly ways to wish other people well.

Fragments and whole sentences

Social situations provide us with many opportunities to wish other people well. Such requests can come in the form of sentence fragments or whole sentences.

A fragment is a type of incomplete sentence – missing part of the subject or predicate. In general, fragments wishing well for other people lack subject.

For example, think of the phrase “good luck” used to express that you hope someone will be successful. “Good luck” has an adjective “good” and a noun “luck”.

But the sentence suggests even more. It suggests something like, “I wish you the best of luck.”

In any case, English speakers often just use the phrase “good luck”.

So, a person might say, “Good luck on the interview!”

When referring to complete sentences, English speakers often use verbs like “wish” or “hope”.

For example, a person might say:

“I hope the interview goes well tomorrow.”

or

“I wish you the best of luck at your interview tomorrow.”

English speakers also use full sentences to make affirmations – expressions of belief in the other person. Such statements of faith are another way of showing kindness or warmth to other people.

For example, a person might say:

“I know you’re worried about tomorrow’s test, but I also know you’re ready for it challenge!”

or

“The interview will be easy. You’re going to do great!’

activity

Let’s take some time to work with these ideas. Take these three words and form a statement that wishes someone well.

Happiness test next week

Hold the audio while you think about your answer.

Here is a possible answer:

“Good luck on the test next week!”

Now imagine a friend telling you the following:

“I’m so worried about tomorrow – I have a tough math test!”

what should you tell your friend Pause the audio to consider your answer.

Here is a possible answer:

“I hope the test goes well tomorrow!”

Here are two other possible responses that involve affirmations:

“I know you’re worried about the test, but I also know you’re going to do great!”

“The test will be easy for you. I know you will do great!”

Final Thoughts

Today’s report explored some ways to wish others well. There are of course many other ways to do this.

The next time you listen to English speakers, pay close attention to how they wish each other well. Pay careful attention to the types of words and phrases they use. Ask yourself if they are using fragments or full sentences.

We close this report with some wishes for our listeners.

Good luck with your English studies. We wish you continued success on your language learning journey.

I’m John Russell.

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words in history

interview – n. a formal meeting with someone being considered for a job or other position

predicate – n. grammar: the part of a sentence that expresses what is said about the subject

challenge-n. a difficult task or problem