If only/I wish

I WISH/IF ONLY

There are three distinct types of I wish / if only sentences:

1. Wish for the present or future with the simple past.
2. Regret with the past perfect.
3. Complaints with would + verb.

Expressing a wish in the present or future

Example: I wish/If only I were a millionaire! (=NOW) You wish you didn't have to wear that mask. (=NOW) If only/I wish he could come back home. (FUTURE)

Form: If only / I wish +subject+ simple past/modal verb

Expressing regret about the past

Example: If only/I wish I had woken up early. (=I didn't wake up early and I missed my bus. I regret this)

Form: If only / I wish +subject+ past perfect

I wish you wouldn't yell at me!

*Other than the one expressed before

To complain about behaviour or to express impatience, annoyance or dissatisfaction with a present action.

Example: I wish/If only he wouldn't chew gum all the time! It gets on my nerves! If only/I wish people wouldn't litter the streets!

Form: If only / I wish +*subject+ would+base form

WISH FOR CHANGE IN THE PRESENT/FUTURE I WISH + IF ONLY PAST SIMPLE (SUBJUNCTIVE) REGRET ABOUT THE PAST PAST PERFECT (HAD+PAST PARTICIPLE) COMPLAINT ABOUT ANNOYING HABITS WOULD+BASE FORM

TO SUM UP:

Pink Floyd: I wish you were here

Lorem ipsum dolor

Thanks!