Expressing a wish or a regret
Use of I wish / if only:
- There are three distinct types of I wish / if
only sentences:
- Wish, wanting change for the present or future with the simple
past.
- Regret with the past perfect.
- Complaints with would
+ verb.
Expressing a wish:
Form:
If only / I wish + simple past |
- Example:
- If only I knew how to use a computer. (I
don’t know how to use a computer and I would like to learn how to use it)
Use:
- To express a wish in the present or in the future.
- The simple past here is an unreal past.
- When you use the verb to be the form is “were”.
Example:
I wish I were a millionaire!
Expressing regret:
Form:
If only / I wish + past perfect |
- Example:
- If only I had woken up early. (I
didn’t wake up early and I missed my bus.)
Use:
- To express a regret.
- The action is past.
Complaining:
Form:
I wish / if only +
would + verb |
- Example:
- I wish you wouldn't arrive so late all the time (I'm annoyed
because you always come late and I want you to arrive on time)
Use:
- To complain about a behaviour that you disapprove.
- Expressing impatience, annoyance
or dissatisfaction with
a present action.