B2 · Lesson 25 · 25 min
Wish, if only and regrets
In this lesson
- I can express an unreal present wish or a regret about the past.
- I can distinguish a desired change with would from a simple wish about a state.
Grammar in context
I wish our flat had more storage space. If only we had measured the bedroom before buying the wardrobe! I also wish the delivery company would answer our messages instead of keeping us waiting.
Which wish concerns a present state, which regrets a past action, and which asks for a change in behaviour?
A different present situation
Wish and if only can introduce a past form to describe a present situation that the speaker would like to be different. I wish I had more time normally means I do not have enough time now. With be, were is common in formal unreal wishes, while was also occurs with singular subjects in less formal English. If only often adds stronger feeling, but the basic time relationship remains the same.
- I wish the room were larger.
- If only I knew how to repair this lock.
An unreal alternative to the past
Use wish or if only plus past perfect to regret a completed past situation. The event cannot be changed now; the speaker imagines a different past. Distinguish had as the auxiliary in had taken from had as a main verb in a present wish such as I wish I had a bicycle. A clear past time expression can make the intended regret easier to identify. Use had not or hadn’t when regretting something that did happen.
- I wish I had kept the confirmation email.
- If only we had not chosen the busiest weekend.
A change you want to happen
Wish plus would often expresses a desired change, willingness or dissatisfaction with repeated behaviour. It is especially natural when another person or outside situation is involved. It does not simply replace a past form for every present state. For a straightforward hope about a realistically possible future event, hope plus an appropriate present or future form is often more suitable. Choose between a wish about an unreal situation, a complaint requesting change and an ordinary hope.
- I wish the neighbours would turn the music down.
- I hope the parcel arrives tomorrow.
Common mistakes
Compare the incorrect and corrected forms.
Avoid
I wish I have more free time now.
Use
I wish I had more free time now.
Use a past form for this unreal present wish.
Avoid
I wish I did not send that message yesterday.
Use
I wish I had not sent that message yesterday.
The regret concerns a completed past action, so use past perfect.
Put it into practice
Try the exercises, write your own examples and check your understanding.