This document discusses the different uses of wish and if only in English. It explains that wish/if only plus the past simple is used to express a desire to change a present situation. Wish/if only plus would is used to want something to happen or for someone to start or stop an action. Wish/if only plus the past perfect expresses regret about something in the past. If only is used when feeling something strongly. Examples are provided to illustrate the different uses.

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.

5. .

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.

7. Optimistic about something
I hope the weather will improve
so we can go fishing this afternoon.