Language can be tricky, especially when it comes to polite expressions and everyday phrases. One common question many writers and speakers ask is: Is it correct to say “well wishes”? At first glance, the phrase sounds natural. After all, we often hear similar expressions in cards, emails, and social messages. But when you look closer at English grammar rules, things become a bit more interesting.
The phrase “well wishes” meaning is often confused with the more widely accepted expression “best wishes.” While both seem positive and polite, their usage is not exactly the same. Understanding the difference requires a closer look at common English phrases, grammatical correctness, and the structure of formal and informal expressions.
In everyday conversation, people frequently use phrases without questioning their accuracy. However, in professional writing, academic contexts, or formal communication, choosing the right words matters. That’s why exploring the correct usage of well wishes, its place in standard English, and how it compares to similar phrases in English can help you avoid subtle mistakes.
Is It Correct to Say “Well Wishes”?
Yes. It is correct to say “well wishes.”
The phrase is grammatically valid in modern English.
However, grammar is only part of the story.
The more important questions are:
- Does it sound natural?
- Is it widely used?
- Is it appropriate in formal writing?
- Should it be hyphenated?
- Is “best wishes” better?
Let’s unpack the phrase piece by piece.
What Does “Well Wishes” Mean?
At its core, “well wishes” means good, kind, or favorable wishes expressed toward someone.
It usually appears in contexts like:
- Recovery from illness
- Sympathy messages
- Public announcements
- Milestone celebrations
Breaking Down the Phrase
The phrase consists of:
- Well (adjective meaning “good” or “kind”)
- Wishes (plural noun meaning expressions of hope or desire)
Together, they form a compound noun phrase meaning:
Expressions of goodwill toward someone.
Dictionary Definitions of “Well Wishes” and“Well-Wishes”
Major English dictionaries confirm that the phrase is legitimate.
Merriam-Webster
- Defines well-wish as: “to wish prosperity or happiness to.”
- Lists well-wisher as a noun.
- Recognizes well-wishes as plural noun usage.
Cambridge Dictionary
- Defines well-wisher as someone who wishes good things for another person.
- Accepts hyphenated compound forms.
Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries
- Lists “well-wisher” as standard.
- Accepts compound construction with hyphen.
Important Detail
You will often see the hyphenated form:
- well-wishes
The open form:
- well wishes
Both appear in real usage.
The hyphen often depends on position in the sentence.
We’ll clarify that shortly.
Is “Well Wishes” Grammatically Correct?
Yes.
Let’s explain why.
The Technical Grammar Explanation
English allows compound structures made from:
Adjective + plural noun
Examples:
- Good intentions
- Kind regards
- Warm greetings
- Deep thanks
“Well wishes” follows this same structure.
Even though “well” is often an adverb, it can function adjectivally in compound constructions. English is flexible that way.
There is no grammatical rule being violated.
Why Does “Well Wishes” Sometimes Sound Slightly Off?
Here’s where usage frequency matters.
In American English, “best wishes” is far more common.
Because of that, “well wishes” can feel slightly less natural.
Not incorrect.
Just less frequent.
Usage Frequency Comparison
| Phrase | Commonality in American English | Typical Context | Naturalness Score |
| Best wishes | Very high | Professional & personal | Very natural |
| Warm wishes | Moderate | Personal cards | Natural |
| Well wishes | Moderate to low | Sympathy & recovery | Slightly formal or distant |
Frequency affects familiarity.
Familiar phrases feel smoother.
“Well Wishes” vs. “Best Wishes”
This comparison matters more than grammar.
Tone Differences
| Phrase | Tone | Emotional Warmth | Professional Use | Typical Setting |
| Best wishes | Polished | Moderate | Very common | Emails, cards |
| Well wishes | Thoughtful | High | Limited | Recovery, public messages |
| Warm wishes | Friendly | Very high | Rare | Close relationships |
When to Use “Well Wishes”
Use it when:
- Someone is recovering from illness
- A public figure addresses supporters
- A group sends collective support
- You want neutral goodwill
Example:
“We extend our well wishes for your continued recovery.”
That sounds appropriate in a formal health context.
When “Best Wishes” Works Better
- Job transitions
- Professional email closings
- Graduation notes
- Business announcements
Example:
“Best wishes in your new role.”
Short. Clean. Natural.
Is “Well Wishes” Formal or Informal?
It leans slightly formal.
You’ll see it in:
- Press releases
- Corporate statements
- Official condolence letters
- Organizational communications
It is less common in casual text messages.
Professional Context Example
“The board extends its well wishes to the outgoing CEO.”
That sounds polished and institutional.
Casual Context Example
“Sending you well wishes!”
That’s fine, though many people would naturally say:
“Sending you my best.”
Tone matters more than grammar.
Should It Be Hyphenated? “Well Wishes” vs. “Well-Wishes”
This question trips up many writers.
General Rule
Use a hyphen when the compound modifies another noun.
Do not use a hyphen when it stands alone.
Examples Without Hyphen
Correct:
- “She sent her well wishes.”
- “We offer our well wishes.”
Examples With Hyphen
Correct:
- “He received well-wishes messages.”
- “They published a well-wishes statement.”
The hyphen connects the compound when it acts as a single modifier.
Think of it like this:
Standalone noun → no hyphen.
Compound adjective before noun → hyphen.
Common Mistakes People Make
Let’s clear these up.
Mistake: Using “Well Wish” Instead of “Well Wishes”
Incorrect:
“Sending you well wish.”
Always plural.
Mistake: Confusing “Well Wishes” and “Well Wishers”
They are different.
- Well wishes = expressions of goodwill
- Well wishers = people expressing goodwill
Example:
“Her well wishers gathered outside the hospital.”
Completely different meaning.
Mistake: Using It as an Email Closing
Ending an email with:
“Well wishes,”
Feels unusual in professional writing.
Stick with:
- Best wishes
- Kind regards
- Sincerely
Real-World Usage Examples
Here’s how “well wishes” appears naturally.
Health & Recovery
- “The community sent their well wishes after the surgery.”
- “Fans flooded social media with well wishes.”
Sympathy
- “We extend our deepest well wishes during this difficult time.”
Public Statement
- “The organization sends well wishes to those affected.”
Personal Card
- “Sending you heartfelt well wishes for your recovery.”
Notice something?
It appears often in collective or formal communication.
Case Study: Public Figures and “Well Wishes”
When public figures fall ill, media outlets often write:
“Celebrities share well wishes.”
Why?
Because the phrase conveys neutral goodwill.
It avoids emotional excess.
It sounds official.
Headlines prefer it because it’s concise.
Compare:
- “Celebrities send kind and supportive messages.”
- “Celebrities share well wishes.”
The second one is tighter.
Usage Trends and Language Data
Google Ngram Viewer shows that:
- “Best wishes” appears far more frequently than “well wishes.”
- “Well-wishes” spikes in formal reporting contexts.
Observed Trend
| Phrase | Historical Trend | Current Usage |
| Best wishes | Consistently high | Dominant |
| Well wishes | Lower overall | Stable |
| Warm wishes | Moderate | Personal contexts |
Frequency does not determine correctness.
It influences perceived naturalness.
The Grammar Deep Dive: Why “Well” Works Here
Normally, “well” functions as an adverb.
Example:
“She sings well.”
However, English allows semantic flexibility.
In compounds like:
- Well-being
- Well-known
- Well-intentioned
“Well” shifts toward descriptive function.
In “well wishes,” it acts as a qualifier indicating positive intent.
English tolerates this structure because usage supports it.
Language evolves through patterns of use, not rigid formulas.
Practical Recommendations
If you want clarity and natural flow, follow this guide:
Use “Well Wishes” When:
- Writing formal recovery statements
- Speaking collectively
- Drafting public communications
Avoid It When:
- Closing professional emails
- Writing casual texts
- Trying to sound warm and intimate
Choose “Best Wishes” When:
- Unsure about tone
- Writing to colleagues
- Sending graduation messages
- Ending business correspondence
Quick Comparison Cheat Sheet
| Situation | Best Choice |
| Corporate press release | Well wishes |
| Email to coworker | Best wishes |
| Sympathy card | Well wishes or heartfelt wishes |
| Birthday card | Best wishes |
| Hospital recovery note | Well wishes |
Final Verdict: Should You Use “Well Wishes”?
Yes, you can use “well wishes.”
It is grammatically correct.
It appears in respected publications.
Major dictionaries recognize its structure.
However, it is not the most common goodwill phrase in American English.
If you want safe, universally natural phrasing, choose:
“Best wishes.”
If you want formal goodwill in recovery or public messaging, choose:
“Well wishes.”
Language is not just about rules.
It’s about rhythm, context, and familiarity.
When in doubt, read your sentence aloud.
If it sounds smooth, you’re good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “well wishes” correct English?
Yes. It is grammatically correct and widely understood.
Is “well wishes” formal?
It leans formal and appears often in public statements.
Can I use “well wishes” in a professional email?
It’s better to use “best wishes” in professional email closings.
What is better: “well wishes” or “best wishes”?
“Best wishes” is more common and versatile.
Should “well wishes” be hyphenated?
Only when used as a compound modifier before a noun.
What is the difference between “well wishes” and “well wishers”?
- Well wishes = expressions of goodwill
- Well wishers = people expressing goodwill
Conclusion
So, is it correct to say “well wishes”? The short answer is: it’s understandable, but not always the most natural choice. While the phrase isn’t grammatically wrong, it’s less common in standard English usage compared to expressions like “best wishes,” “good wishes,” or “well wishes for your recovery.”
In most situations, especially in formal writing or professional communication, “best wishes” sounds smoother and more idiomatic. Native speakers rarely use “well wishes” on its own because “well” typically functions as an adverb, while “best” and “good” clearly act as adjectives modifying “wishes.” However, in certain contexts—such as expressing sympathy or hoping for someone’s health—phrases like “sending well wishes” have become more accepted in modern usage.
