'wish' and 'if only'
We use wish when we want to talk about things we would like to have changed in the past. Check out the lesson and test yourself with the quiz at the end.
'wish' and 'if only'
‘Wish’ and ‘if only’ is used to talk about things we want to change in the past or present.
Present tense
wish/if only + past simple: is the structure to talk about a present situation we want to be different now.
I wish you studied harder for the exam.
If only he spoke with a clearer voice so we could hear.
Past tense
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Other info
wish/if only + a past perfect: is the structure to talk about a present situation we want to be different in the past.
I wish I hadn’t slept so much.
If only I’d trained a little more before the game.
Annoyance
We use wish + would(n’t) + verb to express annoyance with someone’s actions that they are unlikely to change.
I wish you wouldn’t crack your knuckles.
I wish it would grow a little more, it’s so small.
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