Ch 21
Wish and If Only
I wish I had… · I wish I could… · If only it were… · wish or hope?
We use wish when we are not happy with how things are now and imagine them different. If only is stronger.
I wish I had a dog.
I don't have a dog — and I want one.
If only it was the weekend!
It isn't the weekend.
I wish / If only + subject + past simple
Reality
I live in a small flat.
Wish
I wish I lived in a big house.
Reality
I don't know her number.
Wish
I wish I knew her number.
Past form, present meaning — like the second conditional.
I wish I could speak Japanese.
I can't speak Japanese.
If only I could come to your party!
I can't come.
She wishes she could swim.
he / she / it → wishes.
I wish I were taller.
were for all persons; was is common in speech.
I wish it weren't so cold today.
If only we were on holiday!
I hope you have a great time.
Possible future → hope + present.
I wish you were here.
Not true now → wish + past.
Not I wish you have a nice day — say I hope you have a nice day.
I wish I have a car.
→
I wish I had a car.
present situation → past simple
I wish I can drive.
→
I wish I could drive.
can → could after wish
I wish you have a good trip.
→
I hope you have a good trip.
a possible future → hope
She wish she was older.
→
She wishes she was older.
he / she → wishes
Make wishes about now.
1
Say three things you wish were different in your life now.
2
What do you wish you could do?
3
Look out of the window. Make a wish with If only…
4
Say one thing you hope will happen this year — and one thing you wish were true.
Recap
present situation
wish + past simple
I wish I had a dog.
ability
wish + could
I wish I could swim.
with be
wish + were
I wish I were taller.
stronger
If only + past
If only it was sunny!
possible future
hope + present
I hope you have fun.