Wishes

Wishes

Use wish to express a desire for something that does not exist now. It’s a desire to change a real situation into an unreal or impossible one.

Wishes about the present:

            I wish I were living in Chicago.

Wishes about the future:

            I wish you could come with me tonight.

Wishes are used to express:

Complaints and Regrets

Sometimes, wish sentences with would express complaints

E.g.

            I wish you wouldn’t leave the car windows open.

Wish sentences often express regret about a current situation.

E.g.

            Can you help me?

            No, I’m sorry. I wish I could

“If only”

Sentences with if only, focus on the desire to change a negative situation.

E.g.

            If only I had a car!

            If only it would stop raining.