WISHES &

REGRETS
GRAMMAR
 Being me
is not easy!
Why do you
think she feels
that way?
 I can’t go out without being recognized.
Rehearsing is so exhausting!

Paparazzis won’t stop following me everywhere.

Meeting my ex was the worst thing

that happened to me.

I wish…
 I
wish…
WISHES
AND
REGRETS
Work with a partner
and choose the correct
alternative:
I can’t go out without I wish I can/could go out
being recognized. without being recognized.

Rehearsing is so I wish rehearsing weren’t/

exhausting! isn’t so exhausting.

Meeting my ex was the

worst thing that happened I wish I hadn’t met / didn’t
to me. meet my ex!

Paparazzis won’t stop I wish paparazzis will /

following me would stop following me.
everywhere.
 I can’t go out without being
recognized.
Rehearsing is so exhausting!
Meeting my ex was the worst thing
that happened to me.
I wish I could go out without being
recognized.
I wish rehearsing weren’t so
exhausting.
I wish I hadn’t met my ex!

Paparazzis won’t stop following I wish paparazzis would stop following

me everywhere.
me.

1. What verb form is used after wish when the statement refers
to:
A. the past B. the present

2. Re-express the sentences using If only.

Does the grammatical pattern change?
Is there a difference in meaning?
wish/If only + past simple =
express a wish or regret about the present

I don’t have money = I wish I had money.

I can’t swim = If only I could swim.

I’m not old enough = I wish I were older.

I have to study a lot = If only I didn’t have to
study.
wish/If only + past perfect =
express a wish or regret about the past

I didn’t study enough = I wish I had

studied more.

I woke up too late = If only I had woken

up early
I missed my flight =
I wish I hadn’t
missed my flight
wish/If only + would = complain about someone’s
annoying present behavior
My sister never helps me =
I wish she would help me
My boss criticizes me=
If only he wouldn’t criticize me.
The children are too noisy =
I wish they would be quieter.
wish + to infinitive =
a more formal way to say “want to”

I want to thank you =

I wish to thank you.

The director wants to say a few words =

The director wishes to say a few words.

Ex. 1
 were a cowboy
A: I wish I _________
B: Why do you say that?
A: Because if I __________,
were a cowboy I’d
ride a horse all the time.
A: had studied
I wish I _________
B: Why do you say that?
A: Because if I ________,
had studied
I would have passed.
 Create a short conversation using wish / If only

 You can’t drive your car because you don’t have a driver’s
license.

 You ate too much last night and now you have an awful
stomachache.

 You couldn’t make it into the soccer team because you are too
short.

 You lost some money last night.

 You can’t go on vacation because you haven’t saved any money.