I wish I had…: wishes and regrets
wish and if only for the present, the past, and things that annoy you
What you'll be able to do
Express regret, say what you'd like to be different, and complain politely about something that annoys you.
Three patterns
| Pattern | For | Example |
|---|---|---|
| wish + past simple | the present is different from what you want | I wish I had more free time. |
| wish + past perfect | a regret about the past | I wish I had studied harder. |
| wish + would | someone's behaviour annoys you, or you want it to change | I wish you would stop interrupting. |
- I wish I lived closer to my family.I don't live close
- I wish I hadn't said that.I said it, and I regret it
- I wish it would stop raining.I want it to change
- If only I had more time!a stronger wish
were or was?
After I wish with I, he, she, it, both were and was are used: I wish I were taller (more formal), I wish I was taller (everyday). Both are correct.
Common mistakes
I wish I have more time.The present wish uses the past: I wish I had more time.I wish I didn't say that.For a past regret: I wish I hadn't said that.I wish I would be taller.Would is for others' behaviour or change: I wish I were / was taller.
Practice
- I wish I _____ more time to read.Options: had · have · would have
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had — A present wish: wish + past simple.
- I wish I _____ that email. It caused so many problems.Options: hadn't sent · didn't send · don't send
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hadn't sent — A regret about the past: wish + past perfect.
- I wish my neighbours _____ their music down at night.Options: would turn · turned already · will turn
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would turn — Annoying behaviour you want to change: wish + would.
- Which sentence is a regret about the past?Options: If only I had listened to your advice. · If only I knew the answer. · I wish you would listen.
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If only I had listened to your advice. — If only + past perfect: a past regret.
- I wish I _____ (live) nearer the sea.
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lived — Present wish: past simple.
In the app, this lesson is taught one idea at a time with the examples read aloud, then practised with questions you answer by choosing or typing. It comes back for review on later days, until you can use it without help.
More on this topic: English conditionals: first, second, third and mixed