I’ve noticed that many people often use the phrase well wishes when they want to express goodwill or positivity towards someone going through a tough time or feeling sick. From my experience as a language coach, it’s clear that while the phrase sounds warm and heartfelt, it can sometimes come across as clumsy or awkward.
The phrase blends ideas like best wishes and get well soon, but it’s not always the most clear or correct way to offer support. People commonly use it in messages, cards, or conversations online, especially on social media, where tone is more casual and informal.
In formal writing or professional settings, I usually recommend choosing clearer expressions because “well wishes” can sometimes cause confusion or sound grammatically incorrect. It’s important to understand the history and structure behind such phrases, so you can use them properly and avoid awkwardness. When you want to share your hopes, kindness, or care, simple and direct words work best.
Even though “well wishes” is widely used and accepted in digital communication, it’s always a good idea to make sure your words truly fit the situation and convey your desires in a clear, warm, and effective way.
What Does “Well Wishes” Mean?
Simply put, “well wishes” refers to expressing hope or goodwill for someone’s health, happiness, or success. When you send someone well wishes, you are telling them you hope things go well for them.
But how does “well wishes” compare to similar phrases like “good wishes” or “best wishes”? Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Well wishes: Usually used to express hopes for someone’s health or recovery, such as “get well soon” messages.
- Good wishes: A more general phrase that covers hopes for happiness or success.
- Best wishes: Stronger and often used in formal letters, cards, or emails for success, happiness, or farewell.
Example:
- Sending well wishes when a friend is sick.
- Giving good wishes for a friend’s new job.
- Signing off a letter with best wishes.
Understanding these subtle differences helps you choose the right phrase for your message.
The Origin and Evolution of “Well Wishes”
The phrase “well wishes” might sound modern, but its roots go back to older English expressions. To understand it, we need to look at the word “well” and how it’s used.
In English, “well” is an adverb, usually modifying verbs or adjectives. For example, “She sings well.” When we say “well wishes,” we are technically using “well” to describe the wishes, which causes some grammatical debates.
Historically, expressions like “good wishes” or “best wishes” were more common. The phrase “well wishes” started to appear more often in the 20th century, especially in everyday speech and informal writing.
Old letters and English literature mostly favored “good” or “best” wishes. But as language evolved, people began saying “well wishes” especially in contexts like wishing someone good health.
Grammar Check: Is “Well Wishes” Correct English?
Here’s where the confusion gets real. Some grammar experts argue that “well wishes” isn’t technically correct because “well” is an adverb, and adverbs don’t usually modify nouns like “wishes.” Instead, adjectives do. Since “well” is an adverb, it doesn’t fit naturally before the noun “wishes.”
On the other hand, “good” and “best” are adjectives, so phrases like “good wishes” and “best wishes” follow traditional grammar rules.
However, language isn’t always about strict rules. Dictionaries like Merriam-Webster and usage experts acknowledge that “well wishes” is widely understood and accepted in informal and even some professional contexts.
Here’s what language experts say:
- Garner’s Modern English Usage notes the phrase is increasingly common and accepted but still considered informal.
- Merriam-Webster lists “well wishes” as a recognized phrase meaning wishes for good health or success.
In practice, most native speakers don’t question the phrase and use it comfortably. The key is context: in very formal writing, you might prefer “best wishes” or “kind regards”; in casual messages, “well wishes” is perfectly fine.
Social and Cultural Usage of “Well Wishes” Today
People use “well wishes” all the time in cards, emails, social media, and face-to-face conversations. Here are common occasions where you’ll hear or see it:
- Get-well cards or messages to someone recovering from illness
- Congratulatory messages after a big event like graduation or a promotion
- Condolence notes, where you express care and sympathy
- Farewell or retirement parties, to express good hopes for the future
Interestingly, students often use “well wishes” in school projects or peer messages, while teachers may include it in formal communication to parents or colleagues. Professionals use it in emails or speeches, especially when wishing health or success.
In the USA, “well wishes” has become a standard phrase across regions, with no significant differences in usage. It’s friendly, warm, and easy to understand, making it a go-to phrase for many.
Digital Age Impact: How Technology Shapes “Well Wishes”
The way we send well wishes has changed dramatically thanks to technology. Remember when people wrote handwritten cards? Today, emails, texts, and social media posts have taken over.
This shift affects how often and in what way people use “well wishes”:
- Emails and text messages: Quick notes often say, “Sending you my well wishes,” or simply, “Well wishes for a speedy recovery.”
- Social media: Facebook and Twitter are full of “well wishes” after major events like natural disasters, public health crises, or community celebrations.
- Professional networks: On LinkedIn, it’s common to see posts sharing “well wishes” when colleagues announce life events or career moves.
Technology has made it easier to spread goodwill instantly. However, it also means we sometimes lose the personal touch of handwritten notes.
How to Properly Use “Well Wishes” and Alternatives
If you’re wondering how to say “well wishes” correctly or if you should avoid it altogether, here are some quick tips:
Do’s:
- Use “well wishes” when expressing hope for someone’s health or success, especially in informal or semi-formal settings.
- Pair it with verbs like “send,” “offer,” or “extend”, e.g., “I send my well wishes to you.”
- Feel free to use it in emails, texts, and social media messages.
Don’ts:
- Avoid “well wishes” in very formal letters or official documents; prefer “best wishes” or “kind regards.”
- Don’t say “well wishes” as if “well” were an adjective describing a noun other than “wishes,” e.g., “a well wish.” It’s always plural.
Alternatives to “Well Wishes”:
| Alternative Phrase | When to Use It |
| Best wishes | Formal letters, professional emails |
| Good wishes | General greetings and celebrations |
| Warm wishes | Friendly, casual notes or cards |
| Kind regards | Business communication sign-off |
| Get well soon | Specifically for health-related wishes |
Choosing the right phrase depends on your audience and tone. For instance, a teacher writing to parents may use “best wishes,” while a student texting a friend might say “well wishes.”
Real-Life Examples and Sample Sentences
Here are examples showing the right and wrong ways to use “well wishes” and alternatives:
- Correct:
“We send our well wishes to all the healthcare workers on the frontlines.”
“Thank you for your well wishes after my surgery.” - Incorrect:
“I gave her a well wish.” (should be plural: well wishes)
“He is a well wish.” (nonsense phrase) - Alternative example:
“Best wishes on your new job!” (formal, positive)
“Good wishes for a great weekend!” (casual)
For students and professionals alike, sounding polished means matching your phrase to the occasion.
Conclusion
Using the phrase well wishes is common and often comes from a place of kindness and goodwill. However, it can sometimes feel a bit awkward or unclear, especially in formal or professional settings.
If you want your message to be clear and effective, it’s better to choose simpler, more direct words that truly match the situation. That way, your support, care, and hopes come across warmly and without confusion.
FAQs
Q1: Is it wrong to say “well wishes”?
No, it’s not technically wrong, but it can sound informal or awkward in some cases. It’s better suited for casual or digital conversations.
Q2: What can I say instead of “well wishes”?
You can use phrases like best wishes, get well soon, thinking of you, or simply take care to sound clearer and more natural.
Q3: When is it okay to use “well wishes”?
It’s fine to use in informal messages, cards, or social media posts where a casual, friendly tone fits.
Q4: Why do some people dislike the phrase?
Because it blends two ideas and isn’t a traditional phrase, some find it unclear or awkward, especially in formal writing.
Q5: Can “well wishes” be used in professional settings?
It’s better to avoid it in professional or formal writing and choose clearer, more direct expressions instead.
