I wish/If only, unreal past

There are three types of I wish / if only sentences

1)I wish/if only + past simple - expressing a wish, wanting change for the present
or future
e.g. 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)- Якби тільки я знала, як
користуватися комп’ютером.
I wish I were a millionaire! – Якби тільки я був міліонером.

2)I wish/if only + past perfect – expressing regret in the past

e.g. If only I had woken up early. (I didn't wake up early and I missed my
bus.)- Якби тільки я проснувся раніше.

3)I wish/if only + would – expressing complaints, irritation

e.g. I wish you wouldn't arrive so late all the time. – Я б хотіла,щоб ти не
приїжджав так пізно завжди.
(I'm annoyed because you always come late and I want you to arrive on time)
I wish this dog would stop barking! – Якби тільки цей пес припинив
гавкати!
Other phrases:
We can use should have + past participle to talk about something you wanted to
do but didn't.
e.g. I should have cancelled that meeting. – треба було скасувати ту
зустріч.
We use would rather +subject+ past simple when we talk about what we want
someone else to do:
 I’d rather we stayed at home. – Краще нам залишитися вдома.
 I’d rather we didn’t go by plane. – Краще нам не летіти літаком.
 Would you rather I paid now or later? – Тобі краще, щоб я заплатив зараз
чи потім?
We can also use would rather + infinitive without to say what we prefer
 I’d rather not talk to them. - Я волів би не розмовляти з ними.
After it’s time, it’s high time, it’s about time + past simple
 It’s time we went for a walk. Or It’s time for us to go for a walk.
 It’s high time you started looking for a flat. Or It’s high time for you to start
looking for a flat.
 It’s about time you got on the plane. Or It’s about time for you to get on the
plane.
 Exercises

Ex 1 Rephrasing
1. What a pity we didn't meet them last night!
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
2. You should have driven more carefully.
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
3.You should not have brought Jennifer along to the funeral, she was so upset.
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
4. I wish I had written down their telephone number.
What a
pity______________________________________________________________________
5. I wish I hadn't come so late.
I do
regret_______________________________________________________________________
6. You shouldn't have done it.
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
7. If only John hadn't lied to me!
I_______________________________________________________________________
________
8. I regret selling my old Jaguar.
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
9. "Bob, leave your sister alone!"
"I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
10. I'd really like you to pay more attention.
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
11. I'm sorry I didn't phone you.
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
12. You didn't speak to me at the party, I regret it.
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
13. Why didn't I check the petrol before leaving?
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
14. It's such a pity I lost his address
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
15. What a pity you left your book in the taxi!
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
16. What a pity we didn’t meet them last week!
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
17. It would be so nice to have a house in the mountains.
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
18. Why didn't I meet them? Now, it's too late.
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
19. I'd like you to take better care of your visitors in the future.
I wish
___________________________________________________________________________
20. He didn't help her. He feels ever so sorry now!
he
wishes________________________________________________________________________
21. Why on earth did I buy such a big car?
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
22. What a pity I didn't invest in a good education for Brian.
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
23. You shouldn't have spoken so rudely to your father, you know.
(wish)__________________________________________________________________
_________
24. What a pity you didn't join us: it was a wonderful party.
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
25. What a shame she didn't leave her address!
(I wish)
_________________________________________________________________________
26. He has started smoking again. How stupid!
I wish
___________________________________________________________________________
27. What a pity I have to go now.
I wish
___________________________________________________________________________
28. lt's a pity I didn't see her.
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
29. I regret having left so early.
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
30. l'm sorry you can't play the piano.
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
31. I'm Sorry I deceived her.
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
32. Please, stop talking.
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
33. l'm sorry that I bought this car.
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
34. I regret having lied to him.
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
35. What a pity you couldn't join us: the show was great.
 I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
36. I regret having bought this car.
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
37. This concert is fantastic! It's a pity John couldn't come with us!
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
_
38. She regretted marrying him.
She
wished______________________________________________________________________
39. Why didn't they come to our party?
(wish)
__________________________________________________________________________
40. I would like her to come to the concert.
I wish
__________________________________________________________________________
41. What a pity I didn't buy that house.
I wish
__________________________________________________________________________
42. "I have regretted I never trained."
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
43. Why didn't I convince you to continue your studies?
I
wish__________________________________________________________________________
44. According to Ben, he should have called the lawyer.
She
wished______________________________________________________________________

Ex 2 Write the sentences:

1. I don’t know the answer.  If only / I wish
_____________________________________________
2. I’m not good at sports.  If only / I wish
_______________________________________________
3. I’m not going with you.  If only / I wish
______________________________________________
4. I can’t give you an answer.  If only / I wish
____________________________________________
5. Your talking irritates me.  If only / I wish
______________________________________(be quiet)
 6. I didn’t know you then.  If only / I wish
_______________________________________________
7. I wasn’t able to explain that rule.  If only / I wish
________________________________________
8. You are constantly talking.  If only / I wish
________________________________________(stop)
9. They are arguing!  If only / I wish
________________________________________________(stop)
10. The car is going too slow.  If only / I wish
________________________________________(faster)
11. I took your advice. Now I regret it.  If only / I wish
_______________________________________
12. She wasn’t able to come.  If only / I wish
______________________________________________
13. I haven’t got much money!  If only / I wish
________________________________________(more)
14. Unfortunately, I’m not going on holiday with you!  If only / I wish
__________________________
15. You aren’t here! What a shame!If only / I wish
__________________________________________
16. There is no sun! It’s so gloomy.If only / I wish the
sun___________________________(come out)!
17. I didn’t listen to you. I regret it now.If only / I wish the
sun________________________________

Ex 3 Put each verb in brackets into a suitable verb form.

1. If only I (know) it before I called him a thief.2. I'm really tired. I'd
rather (stay) at home.3. Sue lost all the money but she behaves as though
nothing (happen). 4. It's about time you (start) learning if you want to pass
the exam.5. It's time we (go) home.6. My parents ask about every detail of my life. I
really wish they (stop) doing that.7. I'd rather you (not spend) so much
money in Greece, but you spent it all.8. I'd rather you (do) it today.9. It's high time
you (realise) there are more important things than football.
Ex 4 Should or should have ?Choose the right answer.

1. She eats hamburgers and drinks sodas too much! She have an healthy
life!

2. You called her.

3. They cut these trees before.

4. He married so young.

5. You go and see a doctor.

6. They let their son go out at night,he is too young.

7. His friend smoked so much.

8. Children eat too many sweets.

9. Paige worked. She has a bad mark.

10. People eat five fruit every day.

Ex 5 Complete the sentences using would rather and the verbs in the box.Use each verb only
once.

Listen do not play go have stay

Example:
What would you like to drink?Would you rather have wine or beer?
1. ‘Will we go out this evening?’ I think I ..........................at home.
2. It’s a beautiful day.Will we go to beach or .........................(you)to the country?
3. ‘Would you you like to watch TV?’ ‘I ................................to some music.
4. We could wait or the next bus or walk home.What ........................(you)?
5. The weather is too hot or me.I ...................................tennis this afternoon.
Ex. 6You are speaking to a friend.Complete the sentences using I’d rather you and the
past form of the verbs in the box.Use only once.

Come not open stay phone not turn on

Example:
You could go now if you want to,but I’d rather you stayed a bit longer.
1. …………………………………..………………..the window .I’m cold.
2. I could phone the restaurant if you like,but ………………………..them.
3. ……………………..the TV if you don’t mind.I’ve a terrible headache.
4. ‘Will I come and see you tomorrow morning?’……………………..in the afternoon.I’ll
be quite busy in the morning.

Ex.7 Complete the sentences using would you rather I

1. Are you going to cook the dinner or would rather I cooked it?
2. Are you going to tell Ann what happened or would you rather
...……………….……………?
3. Are you going to do shopping or
……………………………………………………………...?
4. Are you going to answer the phone or
………………………………………………………...?