WISH, IF ONLY & HOPE

We use WISH/IF ONLY + PAST SIMPLE to say we would like a present situation to

be different.

I wish I had a warmer jacket.

If only it was the summer holidays!

We use WISH / IF ONLY + WOULD to say:

• We want something to happen:

“I wish my car would start”

• We want someone to start doing something they don´t do:

“If only you´d listen to me!”

• Or we want someone to stop doing something which annoys you:

“If only my mom wouldn´t phone me every 5 minutes!”

WISH, IF ONLY & HOPE

WISH, IF ONLY & HOPE

We use WISH / IF ONLY + PAST PERFECT to talk about things which we regret from the past.• He wishes he had studied harder for his last exam.

• I wish I had spent more time with my grandpa.

• They wish they hadn´t been so rude to their mum.

• He wishes the party had finished earlier.

WISH vs IF ONLYWe use IF ONLY when we feel something very strongly.

WISH vs

HOPE.

WISH Pessimistic about something.*Wish + past simple (referring to a present situation)She wishes she had more money.

*Wish + would (annoying situation)He wishes his daughter would come home earlier.

*Wish + past perfect (a regret)I wish I hadn’t eaten so much cake- I’m feeling sick.

HOPEOptimistic about something

I hope the weather will improve so we can go fishing this afternoon.