This document discusses the differences between using "wish" and "if only" when talking about things in the present or past that one would like to be different. It provides examples of using each to express a desire to change something about the present or past. It also explains that "wish" can be used to show annoyance with something someone or something does or doesn't do. The document concludes with an exercise asking the reader to fill in blanks using "wish" or "if only" appropriately.
This document discusses the differences between using "wish" and "if only" when talking about things in the present or past that one would like to be different. It provides examples of using each to express a desire to change something about the present or past. It also explains that "wish" can be used to show annoyance with something someone or something does or doesn't do. The document concludes with an exercise asking the reader to fill in blanks using "wish" or "if only" appropriately.
This document discusses the differences between using "wish" and "if only" when talking about things in the present or past that one would like to be different. It provides examples of using each to express a desire to change something about the present or past. It also explains that "wish" can be used to show annoyance with something someone or something does or doesn't do. The document concludes with an exercise asking the reader to fill in blanks using "wish" or "if only" appropriately.
This document discusses the differences between using "wish" and "if only" when talking about things in the present or past that one would like to be different. It provides examples of using each to express a desire to change something about the present or past. It also explains that "wish" can be used to show annoyance with something someone or something does or doesn't do. The document concludes with an exercise asking the reader to fill in blanks using "wish" or "if only" appropriately.
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If Only v.
s I Wish
Grammar explanation We use wish and if only to talk about things that we would like to be different in either the present or the past. If only is usually a bit stronger than wish.
In the present We can use wish/if only + a past form to talk about a present situation we would like to be different.
I wish you didn't live so far away.
If only we knew what to do. He wishes he could afford a holiday.
In the past We can use wish/if only + a past perfect form to talk about something we would like to change about the past.
They wish they hadn't eaten so much chocolate. They're feeling very sick now. If only I'd studied harder when I was at school.
Expressing annoyance We can use wish + would(n't) to show that we are annoyed with what someone or something does or doesn't do. We often feel that they are unlikely or unwilling to change.
I wish you wouldn't borrow my clothes without asking.
I wish it would rain. The garden really needs some water. She wishes he'd work less. They never spend any time together. Exercises
1. I wish I _____ go to work tomorrow.
2. If only I _____ that to her. She's not speaking to me now.
3. He wishes _____ the kitchen in such a mess. He always has to
clean before he cooks.
4. She wishes they _____ ten years ago!
5. If only he _____ here now. He'd know what to do.
6. It looks like rain. I wish I ____ my umbrella.
7. I'm starving. If only there _____ a restaurant open now.
8. I wish people _____ loud music on the train. What's wrong with
using headphones?!
9. If only they _____ you for advice before they started the
project. You're the expert!
10. He wishes he ____ back in time and visit Ancient Rome.
11. I wish she _____ her shoes there. I'm always falling over them.
12. The traffic on the roads was terrible. I wish we _____ the train
instead!
13. I'm not saying it again. I wish _____ when I'm talking.
14. If only I _____ the time off work, I'd come and visit you.
15. I'm so tired. I wish I _____ home earlier last night.
16. We're having such a lovely time in Scotland. If only it _____ all
