Hypothetical Meaning

Reference

Common mistakes

1. I wish I can fly → I wish I could fly
   Use past form after 'wish'
2. I wish I have studied → I wish I had studied
   Past regret → past perfect
3. I wish I would win → I wish I could win
   Can't use 'would' about yourself
4. If only I would know → If only I knew
   Same rule as wish
5. I'd rather you don't go → I'd rather you didn't go
   Different subject → past tense
6. I'd rather I stayed home → I'd rather stay home
   Same subject → infinitive

Hypothetical Meaning — Exercises

Choose the hypothetical form

Circle the correct answer.

1. I wish I _____ more free time. (had / have / would have)
2. I wish I _____ that cake — I feel sick. (hadn't eaten / didn't eat / wouldn't eat)
3. I wish my neighbours _____ so much noise. (wouldn't make / don't make / hadn't made)
4. If only I _____ swim! (could / can / would)
5. I'd rather you _____ anyone about this. (didn't tell / don't tell / won't tell)
6. I'd rather _____ at home tonight. (stay / to stay / stayed)
7. It's high time we _____ home — it's late. (went / go / will go)
8. I wish it _____ raining. I want to go out. (would stop / stops / stopped)

Complete with wish, if only or would rather

Write the verb in the correct form.

1. I don't speak French. I wish I   French.
2. I didn't go to the party. I wish I   to the party.
3. If only you   (listen) to me yesterday!
4. I'd rather you   (not / call) me so late.
5. I wish my brother   (stop) using my things.
6. I wish I   (be) taller.

Hypothetical Meaning — Answer Key

Choose the hypothetical form

1. had — Wish about now → past simple: had.
2. hadn't eaten — Past regret → past perfect: hadn't eaten.
3. wouldn't make — Complaining about someone's behaviour → wouldn't make.
4. could — Ability → could after if only.
5. didn't tell — Different subject after would rather → past simple: didn't tell.
6. stay — Same subject → bare infinitive: I'd rather stay.
7. went — It's high time + past simple → went.
8. would stop — Wishing something would change → would stop.

Complete with wish, if only or would rather

1. spoke
2. had gone
3. had listened
4. didn't call
5. would stop
6. were