A follower asked me to do this a very long time ago, so here it! I wish and if only!
We use I wish/if only + the past to talk about imaginary situations in the present. It expresses wishes for things to be different in the present.
I wish I was on holiday right now.
If only I had a brother or sister.
We use I wish/if only + the past perfect to talk about past situations that we regret or would like to be different.
I wish I had listened to the teacher last year.
If only I hadn’t told her my secret.
We use I wish/if only with would/wouldn’t + infinitive to talk about somebody’s habitual behavior that we want to criticize and change.
My sister takes my clothes. I wish she wouldn’t do it.
I wish you would arrive on time.
Tasks
Read the situations. Write what you think the people wish was different using the word(s) given.
- My office is 10km away and the MRT hasn’t opened yet.
I wish the MRT was open.
2. Airbus stopped manufacturing A380’s. (airplane)
I wish _____________________.
3. It’s a sunny summer’s day, but I’m sick and can’t work. (sick)
I wish _____________________.
Complete the regrets with the correct form.
If only I ___________________(not tell) him my stories yesterday.
I wish I ____________________(choose) to study something different last year.
I wish I ____________________(treat) my little sister better when I was younger.
If only I ____________________(study) more before giving my speech at Tedx. P
