Wishes and regrets
Express wishes and regrets about the present and past with wish and if only.
In this lesson you will
- Use wish + past for present wishes
- Use wish + past perfect for regrets
- Use wish + would for annoyance
Learn
Present wish — wish + past simple: I wish I had* more free time. I wish I were taller.* (It’s not true now.)
Past regret — wish + past perfect: I wish I had studied* harder. I wish I hadn’t said that.*
Annoyance / wanting someone to change — wish + would: I wish you would* stop interrupting.* (Not with yourself: I wish I would ✗.)
If only is stronger: If only I’d listened! Use could for ability: I wish I could speak Chinese.
Examples
- I wish I lived closer to my family.
- She wishes she hadn’t sold her car.
- I wish it would stop raining.
- If only I could turn back time!
Vocabulary
wish
want something that isn’t true or possible
regret
feel sorry about the past
if only
a strong wish
turn back time
go back to the past
interrupt
stop someone while they’re speaking
Practice
I wish I ___ how to cook.
Speaking
Talk about three things you wish were different now, two regrets, and one thing you wish other people would do.
Writing
Write a paragraph (80–100 words): “Things I wish I had known at 18”.
Lesson quiz
I wish I ___ at home right now.
Review
Key points
- wish + past = present wish.
- wish + past perfect = past regret.
- wish + would = want others to change.
- If only = stronger; could for ability.
What you learned
- ✓ I can express present wishes.
- ✓ I can express regrets.
- ✓ I can use wish + would correctly.
Grammar reference: Wish and if only