1) To express a regret about the present, we use wish + the past simple
| I don't play the piano. | I wish I played the piano. |
| My colleague doesn't speak English. | He wishes he spoke English. |
| George doesn't have a car. | George wishes he had a car. |
2) To express a regret about the past, we use wish + the past perfect
| Eva lost her umbrella yesterday. | She wishes she hadn't lost it. |
| I ate too much at lunch time. | I wish I hadn't eaten so much. |
| I bought an expansive bag. | I wish I had bought a cheaper one. |
3) To express a desire to change something, we use wish + would/could
| The weather is awful. | I wish the weather would improve. |
| The children are making noise. | I wish they would stop making noise. |
| My job is boring. | I wish I could find a better job. |
Please note
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I wish can be replaced with if only
witch
carries
more emphasis. If only you had told me in time! = I wish you had told me in time. |
| When wish if followed by the verb to be, were is used instead of was |
Exercises - Wishes
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1) I wish he may could can learn faster.
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2) I wish I am is were rich.
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3) I wish I hadn't left haven't left hasn't left my job.
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4) I wish he have hasn't hadn't failed his test.
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5) I wish I has met had met have met that actor.
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6) I wish he were are is with us now.
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7) I wish the house weren't isn't aren't so dirty.
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8) I wish my parents should give will give would give me more money.
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9) I wish my children will get should get would get better marks.
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10) I wish he will stop would stop shall stop drinking so much.
