I WISH / IF ONLY Explanation

 

I WISH / IF ONLY

There are four types of I wish / If only sentences.

1. A regret that a present, future or general situation is not what you would like it to be:

I wish / If only + S + Past

• I wish I were rich. (I am not)
• I wish it didn’t rain tomorrow.

2. A regret that sthg happened or didn’t happen in the past.

I wish / If only + S + Past Perfect

• I wish I had already started studying for the exam. (I have not)
• I wish I had been able to go to the concert.

3. A desire for someone orsomething to change or to do or stop doing something.

This type of I wish sentence expresses some kind of ANNOYANCE.

I wish + S + WOULD + V

• I wish you wouldn’t smoke so much.
• I wish the children would be quiet.

NOTE: You CANNOT use WOULD when subject of the subordinate clause is the same as the subject of the main clause.

4. A wish that sby was able to do sthg which they can’t do.

I wish + S + COULD + V

• I wish I could give up smoking.
• I wish I could play the piano.