How to Use I Wish / If Only in Sentences

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When you say “I wish…” you are talking about something that you want but probably will not happen, or you don’t think will happen. Learn how to use I Wish / If Only in this lesson.

How to Use I Wish / If Only

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

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

Expressing a Wish

Form

If only / I wish + simple past

Example:

If only I knew how to use a computer. (I don’t know how to use a computer and I would like to learn how to use it)

Use

To express a wish in the present or in the future.

The simple past here is an unreal past.

When you use the verb to be the form is “were”.

Example: I wish I were a millionaire!

Expressing Regret

Form

If only / I wish + past perfect

Example:

If only I had woken up early. (I didn’t wake up early and I missed my bus.)

Use

• To express regret.
• The action is past.

Complaining

Form

I wish / if only + would + verb

Example:

I wish you wouldn’t arrive so late all the time (I’m annoyed because you always come late and I want you to arrive on time)

Use

• To complain about a behavior that you disapprove.
• Expressing impatience, annoyance or dissatisfaction with present action.

How to Use I Wish / If Only | Infographic