I wish/If only: how to talk about wishes in English

Difficulties in learning a foreign language can arise from having to memorize numerous grammar rules to simply lacking time or even laziness. This is where students often use the constructions I wish / If only, when talking about their dreams, hopes, or wishes in English. These constructions are not easy, so the rules need to be explained separately.

I wish / If only – usage rules

The structures of wishes & regrets come in handy when we regret something we did or didn’t do in the past, or when we wish something in our lives were or were not possible right now. Check out the examples to see how to express wishes in English:

• I wish I could be a doctor. 

• If only you could see this painting in real life, you would understand everything. 

The first construction is used to express sympathy, regret, or disappointment in a situation, a request, or even a complaint. The second phrase will be useful when we want to add even more emotional intensity to our speech, emphasize hopes for something, or express longing for a certain unrealistic situation.In English, such sentences sound a bit different than in Ukrainian.

How to express wishes in English in different tenses?

Wishes & regrets constructions are used only for the present and the past.

In the present tense, they indicate that something currently displeases the person and they wish to change it. In contrast, in the past, they help express sympathy, regret, or a wish regarding something that has already happened or, conversely, did not happen.

Thus, for current hopes and dreams, we use wishes & regrets constructions with present tenses:

• I wish I could find a better job. 

• Mary wishes she was clever enough to come up with this idea. 

• If only my boyfriend could understand me.
   

These same structures with past tenses are useful for expressing regret about past events that have already happened but which we would gladly change if we could (or conversely – regret that something didn’t happen):

• I wish we had visited Paris last year. 

• My boss wishes I had been fired much earlier. 

• If only we had met earlier, our life would be much better.

Learn how to properly express wishes in English with the Booyya course

Since many students have difficulties understanding and using the I wish / If only grammar constructions that we discussed above, experienced mentors from our online marketplace Booyya have created a complete course dedicated to this topic. In just one lesson, you will be able to remember and consolidate the main usage rules and grammar.

The course is suitable for students with Intermediate-level English. Additionally, it’s designed for:

• students who missed this topic and want to fully grasp it;

• those who notice that they use literal translations from their native language in English;

• those who want to upgrade their English and level it up.

In this exclusive lesson, you will find:

• a video lesson with explanations and examples;

• practical interactive exercises;

• tests to check your knowledge;

• a pleasant bonus – a grammar table on this topic.

Purchase the course for unlimited access – and return to it anytime you need. Or get access to it with a subscription to all platform courses for 1, 6, or 12 months.