Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[jasonlulu_2000]

We wish for others only _______ we wish for ourselves ----safety from violence.
A. who B. that C. when D. what

Which one is better? What does it mean?


Thanks

[Suzanne]

Hi, Jason,

[jasonlulu_2000]

Hi Suzanne,

thanks again.

Here is what I found in a dictionary.

He wishes for something.

But I CANNOT find "wish something for somebody".

That is the reason why I cannot understand " what I wish for others".

So from the point of a native's view, it is acceptable to say "wish sth. for sb.", isn't it?

Jason.

[Suzanne]

Thanks for explaining more!

"To wish something for somebody" is an expression. It means the same as "I wish you (or him/her/them)....."

I wish many years of happiness to them in their marriage.
I wish them happiness in their marriage.

I wish only success for your new business venture.
I wish you success in your new business venture.

Native speakers use the second version ("I wish you/him/her/them...") The phrase you were asking about is not commonly used. That may be why you couldn't find it in your dictionary.

Does this make sense?

[jasonlulu_2000]

Absolutely!

Now I see.