Theory and practice about using past simple with unreal meaning

1. New English File Advanced UNIT 3C

2.  WISH+PAST SIMPLE: things we would like to be
different in the present.
Ex.: I wish (that) I were rich.
 WISH+PAST PERFECT:things happened in the past
that we regret now.
Ex.: I wish I had studied for the exam.
 IF ONLY: more emphatic:
Ex.: If only I had lots money/ If only I had
studied.
 WISH+WOULD: things we want to stop because
we find them annoying.
Ex.: I wish our neighbours would stop making
noise.

3.  For preferences
 WOULD RATHER+INFINITIVE without to: no
change of subject:
Ex.: I’d rather not do the exam.
 WOULD RATHER+PAST TENSE: when subject
changes
Ex.: I’d rather you didn’t speak so loud.

4.  For something that has to be done now or in the
near future
Ex: It’s time you started studying.
 For emphasis and more criticism:
Ex.: It’s high time/it’s about time you started
studying.
 It’s time+infinitive: same subject:
Ex.: It’s time to go