Have you ever wanted to change the present or wished you had done something differently in the past? The words “wish” and “if only” are your keys to expressing these desires and regrets. They are powerful emotional tools for talking about an imaginary reality. ✨
Function & Usage
We use “wish” and “if only” to talk about situations we would like to be different. “If only” is generally stronger and more emotional than “wish.”
- Wishes about the Present/Future: To talk about a present situation you want to be different. We use the past simple tense to show this is an unreal situation.
Example: I wish I had more money. (Reality: I don’t have more money now).
Example: I wish it would stop raining. (Wishing for a future change). - Regrets about the Past: To express regret about something that did or did not happen in the past. We use the past perfect (had + past participle) for this.
Example: I wish I had studied harder for the exam. (Reality: I didn’t study hard).
Example: If only I hadn’t eaten so much cake. (Reality: I ate too much cake).
The Structure (Form)
The key is to use a verb tense that is one step “further in the past” than the time you are talking about.
| Type of Wish | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present Wish | Subject + wish + Past Simple | I wish I knew the answer. |
| Past Regret | Subject + wish + Past Perfect (had + p.p.) | He wishes he had saved more money. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the Present Tense for a Present Wish: You must use the past tense to show the situation is imaginary. Incorrect: “I wish I have more time.” Correct: “I wish I had more time.”
- Using the Past Simple for a Past Regret: For past regrets, you need the past perfect. Incorrect: “I wish I studied more.” Correct: “I wish I had studied more.”
Let’s see it in action! 🎬
Person A: I’m so bored. I wish I lived near the beach.
Person B: Me too. If we lived near the beach, we could go surfing every day.
Friend 1: I feel sick. I ate too much pizza last night.
Friend 2: Oh no.
Friend 1: I know. I wish I hadn’t eaten the whole thing by myself.
Person A: I missed the train by one minute! I’m going to be late.
Person B: That’s terrible!
Person A: If only I had left my house five minutes earlier!
Check Your Understanding! ✅
1. (Present wish) I wish I a bigger apartment. (have)
2. (Past regret) She wishes she for the test. (study)
3. (Present wish) They wish they closer to the city. (live)
4. (Past regret) If only I that. (not say)
5. (Present wish) He wishes he speak Spanish. (can)
6. I wish I ___ more free time now.
7. If only I ___ to your advice yesterday!
8. He wishes he ___ so much money last weekend.
9. I wish it ___ Friday today.
10. They wish they ___ tickets for the concert before they sold out.
