communication activity expressing regret and wish

Use of I wish / if only:

There are three distinct types of  I wish / if only  sentences:

1. Wish, wanting change for the present or future with the simple past.
2. Regret with the past perfect.
3. Complaints with would + verb.

Expressing a wish:

Form:

If only / I wish + simple past

Example:

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)

Use:

§  To express a wish in the present or in the future.

§  The simple past here is an unreal past.

§  When you use the verb to be the form is “were”.
Example:
I wish I were a millionaire!

Expressing regret:

Form:

If only / I wish + past perfect

Example:

If only I had woken up early. (I didn't wake up early and I missed my bus.)

Use:

§  To express a regret.

§  The action is past.

Complaining:

Form:

I wish / if only + would + verb

Example:

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)

Use:

§  To complain about a behavior that you disapprove.

§  Expressing impatience, annoyance or dissatisfaction with a present action.

Do the exercises and click on the button to check your answers.

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Decide whether these statements express a "wish" or a "regret":

1. I wish I could fly.     Wish Regret
2. If only she had seen the doctor earlier. He could have saved her.     Wish Regret
3. If only I traveled to New York.     Wish Regret
4. I wish I were a doctor.     Wish Regret

Choose the correct answer:

1. Alice didn't get a good grade. She wishes she (work)     worked had worked  harder.
2. Tom likes football very much. He wishes he (become)     became had become  a professional football player.
3. He was running very fast when he had a heart attack. If only he (not/run)     hadn't run didn't run  so fast.
4. She's keen on computers. She wishes she (study)      studied had studied  computer science next school year.
5. I am sorry I don’t know how to use a computer. If only I (know)     knew had known  how to use it.
6. I stayed late at work and missed the last bus. I wish I (stay)     did not stay had not stayed  at work late

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