How to use WISH for past regrets with Past perfect
We have all done things in the past and afterwards we think “That wasn’t a good idea” “I was crazy to do that”
The form: subject + wish +subject + past perfect +
example: I wish you had told me before.
– Situation 1: When I was at school I ate a lot of sweets and cakes, now I have bad teeth.
- – I wish I hadn’t eaten so many sweets and cakes when I was younger.
– Situation 2: Mary bought some very expensive shoes, they are extremely uncomfortable.
- – Mary wishes she hadn’t bought those shoes.
– Situation 3: John didn’t study sciences at high school, he didn’t get into university to study medicine.
- – John wishes he had studied science at high school.
– Situation 4: I couldn’t go to your party, my friends tell me that it was very good.
- – I wish I had gone to your party.
“If only” instead of “wish”
We can use “if only” instead of “wish”
Examples:
If only I had gone to your party. (I might have met that great girl from the basketball team)
If only I hadn’t left my camera in the car. (I could have taken a photo of that incredible building)
How to use WISH with WOULD in English grammar
Use WISH and Past simple for the present
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