The Three Main Structures of "Wish"
We use 'wish' to talk about situations in the present, past, and future. Each one has a specific grammatical structure. The golden rule is that we use a "backshifted" tense. This means we use a past tense to talk about the present, and the past perfect to talk about the past.
1. Wishes about the Present
We use this structure to say that we want a situation in the present or future to be different.
Structure:
wish + past simple
We use the past simple tense to talk about a present situation that we are not happy with.
Examples:
* Reality: I don't have enough time.
* Wish: I wish I had more time.
* Reality: He isn't here.
* Wish: I wish he were here.
* Reality: I live in the city, but I want to live in the country.
* Wish: I wish I lived in the country.
* Reality: You are not listening to me.
* Wish: I wish you were listening to me. (using past continuous)
Note on was vs. were:
In formal grammar, after wish, we always use were for all subjects (I, he, she, it, etc.). This is called the subjunctive mood.
* I wish I were taller. (Formal)
* She wishes it were Friday. (Formal)
In informal, spoken English, it is very common to hear was.
* I wish I was taller. (Informal)
2. Wishes about the Past (Regrets)
We use this structure to express regret about something that happened or didn't happen in the past.
Structure:
wish + past perfect (had + past participle)
Examples:
* Reality: I didn't study for the test (and I failed).
* Wish: I wish I had studied for the test.
* Reality: She didn't come to the party.
* Wish: I wish she had come to the party.
* Reality: I ate too much chocolate (and now I feel sick).
* Wish: I wish I hadn't eaten so much chocolate.
3. Wishes about the Future (Complaints or Desires for Change)
We use this structure to express impatience, annoyance, or a desire for a situation or someone's behaviour to change in the future.
Structure:
wish + would + base verb
Important: We usually use this structure to complain about things that are outside our control. It is very uncommon to say "I wish I would..."
Examples:
* Situation: It is raining, and I want it to stop.
* Wish: I wish it would stop raining.
* Situation: You are making a lot of noise.
* Wish: I wish you would be quiet!
* Situation: My car won't start.
* Wish: I wish my car would start.
Other Uses and Related Expressions
Wish vs. Hope
This is a very common point of confusion.
* Hope: Use 'hope' for things that are possible in the future. The verb tense is usually simple present or future.
* I hope you have a great time on your holiday. (This is a real possibility)
* I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow. (This is possible)
* Wish: Use 'wish' for things that are impossible or very unlikely.
* I wish I were on holiday right now. (I'm not, so it's impossible)
"If Only..."
The phrase "If only..." can be used as a stronger, more emphatic version of "I wish." The grammar rules are exactly the same.
* Present: If only I knew the answer. (= I wish I knew the answer)
* Past: If only I had listened to your advice. (= I wish I had listened to your advice)
* Future: If only he would call me. (= I wish he would call me)
"Wish + to-infinitive"
This is a very formal way of saying "want to." It is not used for hypothetical situations.
* I wish to speak to the manager. (This simply means "I want to speak to the manager.")
* We wish to inform you that the event has been cancelled. (Formal announcement)
Summary Table
| Type of Wish | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| About the Present | wish + past simple | I wish I had more free time. |
| About the Past (Regret) | wish + past perfect | He wishes he hadn't said that. |
| About the Future (Complaint) | wish + would + verb | I wish you would stop tapping your pen. |
| Formal "Want" | wish + to-infinitive | I wish to make a complaint. |
Test Your Knowledge
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.
* I'm so tired. I wish I ______ (be) in bed.
* I missed the train. I wish I ______ (leave) home earlier.
* My neighbours are playing loud music. I wish they ______ (turn) it down.
* I wish I ______ (know) how to fix this computer.
* She regrets her decision. She wishes she ______ (choose) a different
career.
Answers:
* were/was
* had left
* would turn
* knew
* had chosen
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