Using WISH and IF ONLY

How to use WISH or IF ONLY in English

Other than sending “Best wishes” to somebody we also use “wish” for talking about situations that we would like to be different.

WISH for the present (future)

We use “wish + past simple” to talk about things we would like to be different now

FORM: we change the present tense to the past tense

– Situation 1: I play basketball but I am not very tall.

• I wish I were taller! I wish I was taller*

(this of course is impossible if I’m an adult)

* after wish you can use was or were with I, he, she and it

– Situation 2: Mark can’t speak French very well.

• Mark wishes he could speak better French.

(this is impossible or unlikely unless he studies hard)

If only

If only can be used as an alternative to wish:

• If only I were taller.
• If only Mike could speak Spanish, I could send him to talk to the Mexican clients.

WISH for the future

example: I wish the train would come. I’m going to be late for work

See how to use WISH and WOULD for things that are annoying

Using WISH for past regrets with the Past Perfect

If I had THREE wishes – what would you wish for yourself?

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