Wish Clauses
Wish clauses are used to express desires, regrets, or hypothetical situations about the present, past, or future. They allow us to talk about things we would like to be different or imagine how things could have been.
⏰ When do we use?
- To express regret or a desire for change in the present or future:
- I wish I were taller. (Present regret)
- She wishes it would stop raining. (Future desire)
- To talk about unreal situations in the past (regrets):
- He wishes he had studied harder for the exam.
- To express annoyance or criticism about someone’s behavior using “would”:
- I wish you would stop interrupting me.
📌 Structure
Wishes About the Present/Future: Subject + wish + subject + past simple verb
- I wish I knew how to swim.
- She wishes she had a bigger house.
Wishes About the Past: Subject + wish + subject + past perfect verb
- I wish I had gone to the party.
- He wishes he hadn’t missed the train.
Wishes About Behavior (Annoyance or Criticism): Subject + wish + subject + would + base verb
- I wish you would listen to me.
- They wish he would drive more carefully.
Key Notes:
She wishes it were sunny.
Use “were” instead of “was” after “I” or “he/she/it” to sound more formal or correct in hypothetical situations.
I wish I were rich.
💬 Examples
Present/Future Wishes:
- I wish I were on vacation right now.
- They wish it weren’t so cold outside.
- Do you wish you could speak another language?
Past Wishes:
- I wish I had studied engineering.
- He wishes he hadn’t argued with his friend.
- She wishes they had arrived earlier.
Ready to Express Your Hopes and Desires in English?
Mastering wish clauses (e.g., “I wish I had more time,” “I wish I could fly“) is a fantastic step to expressing what you want to be different about the present, past, or future. It adds depth to your emotional expression!
Do you want to practice forming these expressions of longing and apply them authentically in real conversations? My online English classes offer fun, interactive ways to master wish clauses and all other essential grammar points. You’ll get plenty of chances to speak and build your confidence.
Let’s plan your English success together!
Click here to find out more and book your trial class today!