Present Wish Vs Past Wish

Learn how to express present and past wishes.

Video Lesson

Wishesare used to talk about unreal or hypothetical situations in the present and the past. They express regrets or wishes about things that do not or did not happen.

Remember: These structures are used for hypothetical or unreal situations!

Present Wish

Used to express a wish about the present. The structure is:

wish + simple past

If only + simple past

Examples:

  • I wish I had enough money to buy a new smartphone.
  • If only I had enough money to buy a new smartphone.

Past Wish

Used to express a wish about the past. The structure is:

wish + past perfect

If only + past perfect

Examples:

  • I wish I had worked harder last year.
  • If only I had worked harder last year.

Practice: Wishes: Present and Past

Instructions: Complete with the correct verb form to express wishes about present or past stituations.

1. I don't have a car.

I wish I a car.

2. She didn't study harder for the exam.

She wishes she harder for the exam.

3. We didn't buy the match tickets earlier.

If only we the match tickets earlier.

4. I can't speak Spanish.

If only I Spanish.

5. He lied to his parents.

He wishes he to his parents.

6. It rains everyday.

If only it everyday.

7. I'm not more self-confident.

I wish I (more self-confident.

8. I don't know how to drive.

If only I how to drive.

9. She doesn't speak English.

She wishes she English.

10. We were late for the show.

If only were (for the show.