Using Wish

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