HMCS Vancouver Pre-Deployment Brief - May 2024 (Web Version).pptx
Hope wish and if only
1. We use WISH/IF ONLY + PAST SIMPLE to say we
would like a present situation to be different.
I wish I had a warmer jacket.
If only it was the summer holidays!
2. We use WISH / IF ONLY + WOULD to say:
• We want something to happen:
“I wish my car would start”
• We want someone to start doing something they don´t do:
“If only you´d listen to me!”
• Or we want someone to stop doing something which annoys you:
“If only my mom wouldn´t phone me every 5 minutes!”
3. We use WISH / IF ONLY + PAST PERFECT to
talk about things which we regret from the past.
• He wishes he had studied harder for his last exam.
• I wish I had spent more time with my grandpa.
• They wish they hadn´t been so rude to their mum.
• He wishes the party had finished earlier.
4. We use IF ONLY when we feel something very strongly.
6. *Wish + past simple (referring to a present situation)
She wishes she had more money.
*Wish + would (annoying situation)
He wishes his daughter would come home earlier.
*Wish + past perfect (a regret)
I wish I hadn’t eaten so much cake- I’m feeling sick.