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.    
  2. If only she had seen the doctor earlier. He could have saved her.    
  3. If only I traveled to New York.    
  4. I wish I were a doctor.    
Choose the correct answer:
  1. Alice didn't get a good grade. She wishes she (work)     harder.
  2. Tom likes football very much. He wishes he (become)     a professional football player.
  3. He was running very fast when he had a heart attack. If only he (not/run)     so fast.
  4. She's keen on computers. She wishes she (study)     computer science next school year.
  5. I am sorry I don’t know how to use a computer. If only I (know)     how to use it.
  6. I stayed late at work and missed the last bus. I wish I (stay)     at work late
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