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Wish and if only
B2 B2 grammar · lesson 5 of 21
We use wish and if only to say that we want a situation to be different. In this lesson you learn the three main patterns for the present, the past and annoying habits.
Three patterns
After wish and if only, we move the verb one step back in time, like in conditionals. If only is stronger and more emotional than I wish.
| Meaning | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| unhappy about the present | wish + past simple / past continuous | I wish I had more free time. |
| regret about the past | wish + past perfect | I wish I had studied harder. |
| complaint about someone’s behaviour | wish + would + infinitive | I wish you would stop talking. |
Wishes about the present and the past
For the present we use the past simple. With be, were is common for all persons, especially in writing: I wish I were taller. To talk about ability, use could: I wish I could swim.
For the past we use the past perfect. The situation is finished and we cannot change it.
I wish I knew the answer. (I don’t know it.)
Maria wishes she lived closer to the sea.
If only it weren’t so cold today!
I wish I could speak Japanese.
I wish I hadn’t eaten so much cake. (I ate a lot.)
If only we had left home earlier!
Sam wishes he had taken more photos on holiday.
Wish + would
Use wish + would to complain about something another person (or a thing) keeps doing, or to show we want a change in the future. Do not use wish + would about yourself: say I wish I could… instead.
I wish my neighbours would turn down their music.
I wish it would stop raining!
If only Leo would listen to me!
Common mistakes
✗ I wish I have a bigger flat.
✓ I wish I had a bigger flat.
✗ I wish I didn’t say that yesterday.
✓ I wish I hadn’t said that yesterday.
✗ I wish I would be taller.
✓ I wish I were taller.
✗ If only I would know her number!
✓ If only I knew her number!