Wish and if only
Express regrets and wishes about the present, the past and things you want to change.
12 minUpper Intermediate
1The grammar
Use 'wish' + the past simple for a present situation that you would like to be different: I wish I had more time. (I don't have enough.) With 'be', you can use 'were' for all subjects, or 'was' with I, he, she and it in informal English: I wish I were taller. I wish I was taller.
Use 'wish' + the past perfect for a regret about the past: I wish I hadn't said that. (I said it, and I regret it.) To talk about an ability you don't have, use 'could': I wish I could speak Japanese.
Use 'wish' + 'would' when you want someone or something to change, often because you are annoyed: I wish you would stop interrupting. I wish it would stop raining. We don't normally use 'I wish I would', because we can usually control our own actions.
'If only' follows the same patterns and sounds stronger: If only I had listened! Use 'hope', not 'wish' + a clause, for things you think may really happen: I hope you have a great trip. ('Wish' + a noun is a set way to give good wishes: I wish you a great trip.)
2Structure and formation
Present wish
wish / if only + past simple
I wish I lived closer.
Past regret
wish / if only + past perfect
If only we had left earlier.
Ability
wish / if only + could + base verb
I wish I could sing.
Wanting change
wish / if only + would + base verb
I wish they would call back.
Possible future
hope + present or will
I hope she gets the job.
3Examples
I wish I knew the answer.
I don't know it now.
She wishes she had studied law.
She regrets the past.
If only I could afford that flat.
I can't afford it.
I wish he wouldn't leave his things everywhere.
An annoying habit that I want to change.
If only you had told me sooner!
A strong regret about the past.
I hope you feel better soon.
A possible future, so we use 'hope'.
4Common mistakes
I wish I have a car.
I wish I had a car.
For a present wish, use the past simple.
I wish I didn't say that yesterday.
I wish I hadn't said that yesterday.
For a past regret, use the past perfect.
I wish you pass your exam.
I hope you pass your exam.
For a possible future, use 'hope'.
I wish I would be younger.
I wish I were younger.
For a present wish about yourself, use the past simple, not 'would'.
5Practical usage
Talking about regrets
Use the past perfect to reflect on past decisions: I wish I had taken that job in Canada.
Complaining and asking for change
'I wish you would' is a common way to ask for change, but it can sound annoyed, so use it with care: I wish you would tell me when you're going to be late.
Now practise it
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