Wishes and Regrets

When we want to talk about things we wish were different or situations we regret, English has specific structures to express these feelings. These structures help us communicate our desires for the present and our regrets about the past.

Expressing Wishes and Regrets in the Present

For General Situations

Structure: I wish / If only + simple past

This structure helps us express wishes about situations that are different from reality in the present.

Examples:

  • I wish I knew how to speak Japanese.
  • If only he understood my point of view.
  • I wish we had more time to finish this project.
  • If only the weather was better today.

For Continuous Situations

Structure: I wish / If only + past continuous

We use this when we want to express wishes about ongoing actions in the present.

Examples:

I wish I was/were lying on a beach right now instead of working.

If only she was/were studying for her exam.

I wish we were having lunch in that new restaurant.

If only I was/were traveling around Europe this summer.

For Ability or Possibility

Structure: I wish / If only + could/couldn't

This structure expresses wishes about abilities or possibilities in the present.

Examples:

If only she could join us for dinner tonight.

I wish I could play the piano.

If only we could afford a bigger house.

I wish I couldn’t hear the neighbors’ loud music.

Expressing Wishes and Regrets about the Past

Structure: I wish / If only + past perfect

This structure helps us express regrets about past situations that we cannot change.

Examples:

If only she had told me the truth from the beginning.

I wish I had studied harder for my exam.

If only we had left earlier, we wouldn’t have missed the train.

I wish I hadn’t said those hurtful things.

📌 Common Uses in Context

  • Expressing disappointment:
    • I wish this movie was more interesting.
    • If only the concert hadn’t been canceled.
  • Talking about missed opportunities:
    • I wish I had taken that job offer last year.
    • If only I had invested in that company when I had the chance.
  • Discussing personal regrets:
    • I wish I had spent more time with my grandmother.
    • If only I had learned to swim when I was younger.
  • Imagining better alternatives:
    • I wish we were on vacation instead of at work.
    • If only I could speak French fluently for this trip to Paris.

📝 Remember

  • We use past tenses to talk about present wishes
  • We use past perfect to talk about past regrets
  • “Were” is more formal than “was” after “I wish” (both are acceptable)
  • These structures describe situations that are contrary to reality
Exercise 1
⬇️ Interactive exercise will appear here soon.

Ready to Express Your Hopes and What You Wish Were Different in English?

Mastering expressions of wishes and regrets (using “I wish,” “If only,” etc.) is a fantastic step to sharing your desires for the present and future, and reflecting on past events you’d change. It adds a deep layer of emotion to your English!

Do you want to practice forming these heartfelt sentences and use them authentically in real conversations? My online English classes offer fun, interactive ways to master wishes, regrets, and all other essential grammar points. You’ll get plenty of chances to speak and build your confidence.

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