as you wish

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phraseformal

   Said to show you accept what someone wants or asks for, even if you might have chosen differently.

   Grammar: A complete reply on its own: As you wish.

   Patterns

   • As you wish, sir

   Would you like the window open? As you wish.

   As you wish, I will cancel the booking.

   If you would rather wait, as you wish, but the shop closes soon.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   In whatever way, at whatever time or in whatever form you like.

   Grammar: Added after a clause: arrange the flowers as you wish.

   Patterns

   • do something as you wish

   Arrange the furniture as you wish; I do not mind.

   You may spend the money as you wish.

   Decorate the cake as you wish.

Common combinations

As you wish, madam

As you wish, madam, I will bring the menu.

do as you wish

Do as you wish; it is your choice.

choose as you wish

You may choose as you wish from the list.

arrange as you wish

Arrange the chairs as you wish.

use as you wish

The room is yours to use as you wish.

Synonyms and how they differ

as you like

As you like is more casual and relaxed, while as you wish sounds more respectful or formal.

very well

Very well often shows reluctant agreement, whereas as you wish can be more willing.

certainly

Certainly gives enthusiastic consent to a request, while as you wish leaves the choice entirely to the other person.

whatever you say

Whatever you say can sound dismissive or sarcastic, but as you wish is usually polite.

Opposites

Word family

wish noun

a desire for something

wish verb

to want something to happen

wishes noun

hopes or desires, often in greetings

wishful adjective

hoping for something that may not happen

Commonly confused: as you wish or as you like?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “as you wish”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words