Is It Correct to Say “Well Wishes”? Meaning & Usage

As a language coach, I’ve often seen learners get confused when they hear or use the phrase “well wishes.” It usually appears when someone is sick or going through a tough time, and a kind message filled with support and hope is sent their way. While the tone of the expression feels warm, it can also sound a little clumsy in certain situations. From my interactions both online and in professional settings, I’ve noticed that people still continue to use it, especially on social media, where casual expressions flow freely in our digital world.

Looking at the origins and grammar, language experts share mixed opinions. Some say it’s a misunderstood construction, perhaps formed by blending “best wishes” and “get well soon.” Others find it technically incorrect or even grammatically wrong in a modern context, though not entirely unacceptable. In formal writing, it’s often swapped for clearer expressions, making it a more effective choice for a kind note or message. Still, whether used in working environments or friendly chats, this guide reminds us that words evolve, and tone matters more than rules when offering warm, thoughtful wishes.

Understanding the Phrase “Well Wishes”

The phrase “well wishes” simply refers to kind or positive expressions of goodwill toward someone. When you say, “I send you my well wishes,” you’re conveying warm hopes for their happiness, recovery, or success.

But here’s the catch: while the meaning is clear, grammar purists often argue that “well” doesn’t logically modify “wishes.” After all, well is usually an adverb, and in this phrase, it’s functioning more like an adjective. That’s where the confusion begins.

Example Usage

• “Thank you for your well wishes after my surgery.”
• “She sent her well wishes to the team before the big game.”
• “Everyone offered well wishes for a speedy recovery.”

While these sound natural in everyday conversation, linguists debate whether “well wishes” should technically be used this way at all.

The Grammar Debate: Is “Well Wishes” Correct?

Here’s where grammar enters the chat.

Let’s break down the phrase grammatically:

• “Well” = adverb (modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs).
• “Wishes” = noun (acts as the object of the phrase).

So technically, an adverb shouldn’t modify a noun. That’s why “good wishes” or “best wishes” seem more correct—they use adjectives, not adverbs.

Why People Still Use It

Despite its grammatical oddity, “well wishes” has survived because of how language evolves. Spoken English often bends grammatical rules when a phrase feels right or sounds natural to the ear.

Language experts note that usage defines correctness over time. If enough people use “well wishes” in daily speech, it earns legitimacy through frequency and acceptance—much like “drive safe” (instead of the technically correct “drive safely”).

The History and Evolution of “Well Wishes”

The phrase “well wishes” doesn’t have deep roots in classical English literature. Instead, it seems to have emerged during the 19th and 20th centuries when social greeting cards became popular.

Older English used expressions like:

• “I wish you well.”
• “Wishing thee happiness and health.”

These early forms show the correct structure: well modifying wish (a verb). Over time, as people condensed the phrase into a noun form—“well wishes”—it drifted slightly from strict grammar.

Historical Timeline

Century	Common Expression	Notes
1600s–1700s	“I wish you well”	Verb phrase, grammatically correct
1800s	“Best wishes,” “Good wishes”	Popular in letters and cards
1900s–Present	“Well wishes”	Widely used in informal writing and social media

So while “well wishes” may not have Shakespearean roots, it evolved naturally from common patterns of human speech.

“Well Wishes” vs. “Good Wishes” vs. “Best Wishes”

These three phrases are often used interchangeably—but each carries a slightly different tone.

Phrase	Tone	Common Use	Example
Well Wishes	Warm, casual	Informal messages, sympathy notes	“Sending my well wishes for your recovery.”
Good Wishes	Neutral, polite	Formal letters, general greetings	“Please accept my good wishes for your success.”
Best Wishes	Warm, professional, or personal	Emails, cards, weddings	“Best wishes on your new adventure!”

Which One Should You Use?

• Use “best wishes” when you want to sound polished or professional.
• Use “good wishes” in traditional or formal writing.
• Use “well wishes” in friendly, casual communication—it sounds heartfelt and genuine.

So while “well wishes” may not be grammatically perfect, it resonates emotionally.

The Role of “Well” as an Adverb — Why It Matters

Let’s dig deeper into the word “well.”
Typically, “well” functions as an adverb, describing how something is done:

• “She sings well.”
• “He performed well in the exam.”

But in “well wishes,” it acts almost like an adjective, describing the quality of the wishes. English has many cases like this, where adverbs evolve into adjectives over time—think “well-known,” “well-spoken,” “well-dressed.”

So linguistically, “well wishes” isn’t as incorrect as it first appears. It follows a natural English pattern where well modifies nouns through implied adjectives.

When and Where You Can Use “Well Wishes”

Context matters. You wouldn’t use “well wishes” in an academic paper or corporate policy. But in friendly communication, it fits perfectly.

Appropriate Contexts

Context	Can You Use “Well Wishes”?	Example
Informal text or email	✅ Yes	“Thanks for your well wishes!”
Greeting cards	✅ Yes	“Sending my well wishes this holiday season.”
Business letter	❌ No	Prefer “best wishes”
Formal speech	❌ No	Use “kind regards” or “good wishes” instead

Rule of Thumb

If you’re writing to a friend, family member, or social contact, “well wishes” feels warm and natural.
If you’re addressing a client, boss, or formal audience, stick to “best wishes.”

How to Respond to “Well Wishes”

When someone sends you well wishes, your response matters. It’s an opportunity to show gratitude while keeping the tone natural.

Examples of Responses

• “Thank you for your well wishes—I really appreciate it.”
• “Your well wishes meant a lot during my recovery.”
• “I’m grateful for your support and kind wishes.”
• “Thanks for thinking of me!”

Pro Tip

You can also shift from noun to verb form:

• Instead of “Thanks for your well wishes,” say “Thanks for wishing me well.”
  This sounds smoother and slightly more polished, especially in writing.

Alternatives to Saying “Well Wishes”

If you want to avoid the grammar debate entirely, there are plenty of natural alternatives that carry the same sentiment.

Phrase	Tone	Best Used For
Best wishes	Neutral to warm	General greetings, farewells
Good wishes	Polite, traditional	Formal occasions
Warm regards	Friendly yet professional	Emails, letters
Kind regards	Polite and neutral	Business correspondence
All the best	Friendly and optimistic	Farewell or congratulatory notes
Sending love	Emotional, personal	Family or close friends

These alternatives let you express warmth while staying grammatically precise.

The Modern Shift: How Digital Communication Changed the Phrase

The rise of social media, texting, and digital cards has breathed new life into informal phrases like “well wishes.”

Why It’s More Common Online

1. Brevity: “Well wishes” is short and catchy—perfect for tweets or captions.
2. Tone: It feels warmer than “best wishes,” which can sound overly formal online.
3. Viral Influence: Common hashtags like #WellWishes or #SendingWellWishes reinforce its use.

Platforms like Instagram, Reddit, and X (Twitter) show thousands of posts using “well wishes” in messages of support, often paired with emojis like 💐 or ❤️.

In essence, digital culture normalized “well wishes” by valuing tone over technical grammar.

Public Perception and Real-World Usage

Even if grammar purists raise eyebrows, the majority of English speakers find “well wishes” acceptable.

Trends and Data

• According to Google Ngram Viewer, usage of “well wishes” has risen steadily since the 1980s.
• In contrast, “best wishes” remains dominant in formal writing, but “well wishes” thrives in social and conversational contexts.
• Online forums (like Reddit’s r/grammar) reveal a divide—some call it “technically wrong but emotionally right.”

Public Opinion Snapshot

Group	View	Comment Example
Grammar traditionalists	Disapprove	“It’s redundant; say ‘best wishes’ instead.”
Modern English users	Approve	“It sounds genuine, who cares about grammar?”
Language experts	Neutral	“Usage defines correctness over time.”

Language is democratic—if enough people accept a phrase, it becomes correct through use.

Expert Insights: What Linguists and Dictionaries Say

Here’s what the experts say about “well wishes”:

• Merriam-Webster: Lists “well-wisher” (a person who wishes well) as standard, which indirectly legitimizes well wishes.
• Cambridge Dictionary: Recognizes wish someone well as a valid phrase, implying its noun form (well wishes) is an accepted extension.
• Oxford English Dictionary (OED): Records examples of well-wisher dating back to the 1600s, supporting the pattern.
• Grammarly: Notes that “well wishes” is informal but widely understood and not considered incorrect in everyday English.

Expert Quote

“Language changes not because rules are broken, but because people find new ways to connect.” — Steven Pinker, Cognitive Psychologist and Linguist.

So while your English teacher might hesitate, linguists generally acknowledge that “well wishes” has earned its place through consistent modern use.

Common Mistakes and Misinterpretations

Let’s clear up a few common errors tied to this phrase:

Mistake	Why It’s Wrong	Correct Form
Wellwishes (one word)	Not recognized as a compound noun	Well wishes
Wishing well	Refers to a decorative fountain, not greetings	Well wishes
Wish well (verb phrase used as noun)	Confuses parts of speech	Sending well wishes

Remember: English allows flexibility, but spacing and structure matter for clarity.

Practical Writing Tips: Using “Well Wishes” Confidently

Here’s how to decide when and how to use “well wishes” correctly and naturally:

Quick Checklist

Does your tone feel personal or informal?
Are you writing to a friend, family member, or social audience?
Would “best wishes” sound too stiff for the context?

If yes to all three, well wishes works perfectly.

Sample Messages

• Get Well Card: “Sending my well wishes and positive thoughts for your recovery.”
• Graduation Card: “Congratulations! Wishing you success and happiness—my warmest well wishes.”
• Sympathy Message: “My heartfelt well wishes go out to you during this time.”
• Birthday Message: “Hope you have an amazing day filled with laughter and love. Well wishes always!”

These examples show how tone and intent matter more than strict grammar rules.

Conclusion

Using well wishes isn’t technically incorrect, but it can sound slightly awkward depending on the context. While language experts debate its grammar and origins, the phrase continues to thrive in the digital world, especially on social media, where people prefer a warm, casual tone. In formal writing or professional settings, however, replacing it with clearer expressions like “best wishes” or “get well soon” can be a more effective choice. Ultimately, what matters most is the sincerity of the kind note and the support behind it—because genuine hope and compassion always outshine rigid rules of grammar.

FAQs

Q1: Is “well wishes” grammatically wrong?

Not exactly. It’s not grammatically wrong, but it’s not the most natural-sounding phrase in modern context.

Q2: Can I use “well wishes” in formal writing?

It’s better to avoid it in formal writing. Try best wishes or get well soon instead—they sound more polished and clearer.

Q3: Why do people still say “well wishes”?

Because in the digital world and social media, people use language more freely, often valuing warm and casual tones over strict correctness.

Q4: What’s the difference between “well wishes” and “best wishes”?

“Best wishes” is traditional and widely accepted, while “well wishes” feels more emotional but sometimes clumsy or awkward.

Q5: Is it okay to send “well wishes” to someone sick?

Absolutely. When someone is sick or facing a tough time, the heart behind your words matters most—your support and hope mean everything.