”I wish” allows us to express desires or regrets about situations unlike reality. This handy tool comes with three different ways to build your wish:
1. Past Simple
When using “I wish” with the past simple tense, it expresses a desire for something or someone to be different right now or in the future.
- I wish things were different, but this is the way they are.
- I wish I had enough money to help you.
- I wish I could be there for you tomorrow.
2. Past Perfect
With the past perfect tense, “I wish” allows us to express regret for something we didn’t do in the past.
- I wish I hadn’t quit my job two years ago.
- I wish we hadn’t wasted all that money.
3. Someone would
To gently nudge someone towards changing an annoying behavior, try saying “I wish [person/thing] would [infinitive].”
- I wish you would stop biting your nails. I hate it when you do it.
- I wish it would stop raining. It’s been three days!
If only
“If only” carries the same wish as “I wish,” but with a stronger punch.
- If only I was/were a bit taller! (First type)
- If only you had followed my advice. (Second type)
- If only you would make a bit of an effort. You are wasting your life! (Third type)
References