All grammar
B216 questions
Wish and if only
Use wish or if only for things you want to be different: now (past simple), in the past (past perfect), or someone's annoying behaviour (would).
How it works
- Present wish: wish + past simple: I wish I lived closer to work (I don't).
- With be, were is used for all persons, especially in writing; was is common in speech: I wish I were taller.
- Past regret: wish + past perfect: I wish I had studied harder (I didn't).
- Complaint about someone's behaviour: wish + person + would: I wish you would stop interrupting. Not about yourself: I wish I could, not I wish I would.
- Ability: wish + could: I wish I could speak French.
- If only means the same but is stronger: If only I hadn't said that!
- For good wishes about the future, use hope: I hope you pass (not I wish you will pass).
Examples
I wish I had more free time.
She wishes she hadn't sold her old motorbike.
I wish you would put your phone away at dinner.
If only I could remember her name!
I wish it weren't so hot today.
Common mistakes
Wrong: I wish I
canspeak English fluently.Right: I wish I could speak English fluently.
Wrong: I wish I
didn't eatso much last night.Right: I wish I hadn't eaten so much last night.
Wrong: I
wishyou will pass the exam.Right: I hope you will pass the exam.
Practice
1 of 16Fill the gap.
Level: EGP Clauses (wish): wish + past simple appears at B1; wish + past perfect, wish + would and if only are controlled at B2. Written for Gloss.