Present regret Past regret Wish + would If only Exercises

Wish + past simple — present regret

Use wish + past simple to express a regret about the present — something that is not true now, but you want it to be.

Wish sentenceReality
I wish I knew the answer.I don't know the answer.
She wishes she spoke French.She doesn't speak French.
I wish it weren't so cold.It is cold — I don't like it.
He wishes he had more time.He doesn't have enough time.
were not was: After wish, use were for all persons in formal English: "I wish I were taller." Informal: "I wish I was taller." Both are accepted.

Wish + past perfect — past regret

Use wish + past perfect to express regret about something that happened (or didn't happen) in the past.

Wish sentenceReality
I wish I had studied more.I didn't study enough — I regret it.
She wishes she hadn't said that.She said it — she regrets it now.
I wish we had taken a taxi.We didn't take a taxi — we were late.

Wish + would — complaint or desire for change

Use wish + would to express a complaint about a repeated situation or to wish someone (else) would change their behaviour. Cannot be used for own wishes about oneself.

Wish sentenceMeaning
I wish he would stop talking.He keeps talking — it annoys me.
I wish you would listen to me!You never listen — it frustrates me.
She wishes the neighbours wouldn't play music so loud.They play loud music — she dislikes it.
Wish + would ≠ own ability or state: ✗ "I wish I would be taller." (own state → use past simple: "I wish I were taller.") ✓ "I wish you would be on time."

If only

If only follows the exact same grammar as wish, but is more emphatic and emotional.

If only (emphatic)Equivalent wish
If only I knew!I wish I knew.
If only I had listened to you!I wish I had listened to you.
If only he would reply to my messages!I wish he would reply to my messages.

Exercises

Choose the correct form after wish.

1. I wish I ___ the answer. (I don't know it now.)

2. She wishes she ___ that. (She said it — she regrets it.)

3. I wish he ___ make so much noise! (He keeps doing it — it annoys me.)

4. I wish I ___ taller. (I want to be taller — I'm not.)

5. If only we ___ the map — we got completely lost.

← Third Conditional Could/Would/Should Have →