Scribd
Upload
110 views2 pages

I Wishif Only Grammar Drills Grammar Guides Tests - 37679

The document discusses three types of "I wish/if only" sentences: 1) Wishing to change the present or future, using the simple past tense (e.g. "If only I knew how to use a computer"). 2) Expressing regret about the past, using the past perfect tense (e.g. "If only I had woken up early"). 3) Complaining about present behaviors, using "would" plus the verb (e.g. "I wish you wouldn't arrive so late"). The document provides examples for each type and exercises transforming statements into "I wish/if only" sentences.

Uploaded by

GardalitsPéter
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
110 views2 pages

I Wishif Only Grammar Drills Grammar Guides Tests - 37679

The document discusses three types of "I wish/if only" sentences: 1) Wishing to change the present or future, using the simple past tense (e.g. "If only I knew how to use a computer"). 2) Expressing regret about the past, using the past perfect tense (e.g. "If only I had woken up early"). 3) Complaining about present behaviors, using "would" plus the verb (e.g. "I wish you wouldn't arrive so late"). The document provides examples for each type and exercises transforming statements into "I wish/if only" sentences.

Uploaded by

GardalitsPéter
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

I wish / if only

There are three distinct types of I wish / if only  sentences (*If only can be more emphatic than I wish):
1) Wish, wanting change for the present or future with the simple past.
2) Regret with the past perfect.
3) Complaints with would + verb.
1) Expressing a wish:
Use: To express a wish in the present or in the future. The simple past here is an unreal past.
Form: If only / I wish + simple past
e.g. If only I knew how to use a computer. (I don’t know how to use a computer and I would like to learn how to use it)
*When you use the verb to be the form is “were”.  e.g. I wish I were a millionaire!

2) Expressing a regret: Use: To express a regret. The action is past.


Form: If only / I wish + past perfect
e.g. If only I had woken up early. (I didn't wake up early and I missed my bus.)

3) Complaining: Use: To complain about a behavior that you disapprove. Expressing impatience,
annoyance or dissatisfaction with a present action.
Form: If only / I wish + would+verb
e.g. I wish you wouldn't arrive so late all the time.
(I'm annoyed because you always come late and I want you to arrive on time)
 

Wishes about the present


 

We use wish with past Tense forms (simple and continuous) to express regret about present situations:
- I wish I was taller = (I’m not very tall)
- I wish I was going with you = (but I'm not)
 

I wish you were more help. = (you are not) I wish I were can replace I wish I was.
To many people, I wish I were sounds more correct: I wish I were taller.
 

We use wish with could to express a wish for a present situation to be different:
I wish I could use a computer well. (X I wish I would tell her about it.) I wish I could tell her about it.

Task: Write the sentences:


1. I don’t know the answer.  If only / I wish _____________________________________________
2. I’m not good at sports.  If only / I wish _______________________________________________
3. I’m not going with you.  If only / I wish ______________________________________________
4. I can’t give you an answer.  If only / I wish ____________________________________________
5. Your talking irritates me.  If only / I wish ______________________________________(be quiet)
6. I didn’t know you then.  If only / I wish _______________________________________________
7. I wasn’t able to explain that rule.  If only / I wish ________________________________________
8. You are constantly talking.  If only / I wish ________________________________________(stop)
9. They are arguing!  If only / I wish ________________________________________________(stop)
10. The car is going too slow.  If only / I wish ________________________________________(faster)
11. I took your advice. Now I regret it.  If only / I wish _______________________________________
12. She wasn’t able to come.  If only / I wish ______________________________________________
13. I haven’t got much money!  If only / I wish ________________________________________(more)
14. Unfortunately, I’m not going on holiday with you!  If only / I wish __________________________
15. You aren’t here! What a shame!If only / I wish __________________________________________
16. There is no sun! It’s so gloomy.If only / I wish the sun___________________________(come out)!
17. I didn’t listen to you. I regret it now.If only / I wish the sun________________________________

You might also like