Wishes and regrets

1. Wish/ If only + Past Simple or + Would/Could….

• Use: Express a wish/regret about a general state that exists in the present, or a usual or regular event or habit. We use would when the mentioned action could be changed if the Subject chose to (Often used to complain one’s behavior)

• Use: Things that aren’t true or something that we want in the present, with could = action can be changed —> used to complain

• Ex: I wish I would have a better phone.

If only I was in a more prestigious school.

2. Wish/ If only + Past Perfect

• Use: Express a wish or regret about the past by saying how we would like the past to be different

• Ex: If only I had met you earlier.

3. Wish/ If only + infinitive with to

• Use: In formal situations, = want + infinitive. Can be used to talk in the past, present or future.

• Ex: Napoleon wished to keep all his plans a secret until the very last moment.

Noteworthy points

1. Wish + Present Simple ≈ wish + infinitive, but is more requirements-oriented (future) And the wish + past simple is more frequently used.

• Ex: I wish you listen. I wish you listened more.

2. When people talk about their wishes for the future, they use hope more often.

• Ex: I hope you have a great experience in our hotel. She hopes to get a better job.

1. Would rather + infinitive (possible future event)

• Ex: I’d rather go to the beach than go hiking.

2. Would prefer + infinitive with to(possible future event)

• Ex: I’d prefer to have a coffe rather than some bland tea.