Intermediate 📐 Grammar · #99 of 305

Wish and If Only (Present)

wish + past simple for present regrets.

Examples

  • I wish I had a car.

Key rules

  • Use wish + past simple for unreal present situations
  • Use were with all persons in formal style: I wish I were taller
  • Use wish + would for annoying habits or things you want others to change
  • Do not use wish + would for yourself

Common mistakes

  • I wish I have more time → I wish I had more time
  • I wish I would be taller → I wish I were taller
💡 Tip: If only is a stronger, more emotional version of wish.
Practise this topic in the appPractise Intermediate quiz
← Unless and Other Conditional WordsWish and If Only (Past) →

Related Intermediate topics

See all Intermediate grammar lessons →

Present Perfect Continuous

have been + -ing stresses duration up to now.

Past Perfect

had + past participle for an earlier past action.

Past Perfect Continuous

had been + -ing for duration before a past moment.

Future Continuous

will be + -ing for actions in progress at a future time.

Future Perfect

will have + past participle for completion before a future time.

Future Perfect Continuous

will have been + -ing for duration up to a future point.