Expressing REGRETS IN THE PAST
• I wish I + past perfect
– I wish I had studied harder
• If only I + past perfect
– If only I had studied harder
• If I had done X, I would(n’t) be doing Y
– If I had studied harder, I wouldn’t be unemployed
• I shouldn’t + infinitive perfect
– I shouldn’t have left my studies
Expressing ADVICE
• You should + infinitive
– You should go back to school
• It’s a good idea to + infinitive
– It’s a good idea to go bach to school
• If I were you, I would + infinitive
– If I were you, I’d go back to school
• You’d better + infinitive
– You’d better go back to school
• How/What about + ing? Why don’t you + infinitive?
– How about going back to school?
– Why don’t you go back to school?
• Try + ing
– Try going back to school

If only explanation

  • 1.
    Expressing REGRETS INTHE PAST • I wish I + past perfect – I wish I had studied harder • If only I + past perfect – If only I had studied harder • If I had done X, I would(n’t) be doing Y – If I had studied harder, I wouldn’t be unemployed • I shouldn’t + infinitive perfect – I shouldn’t have left my studies
  • 2.
    Expressing ADVICE • Youshould + infinitive – You should go back to school • It’s a good idea to + infinitive – It’s a good idea to go bach to school • If I were you, I would + infinitive – If I were you, I’d go back to school • You’d better + infinitive – You’d better go back to school • How/What about + ing? Why don’t you + infinitive? – How about going back to school? – Why don’t you go back to school? • Try + ing – Try going back to school