Wish and if only

Use wish and if only to express dissatisfaction, regret and a desire for situations to be different.

When do we use it?

Choose past simple for present wishes, past perfect for past regrets and would for desired change.

Form

Use wish + past for now, wish + past perfect for regret, and wish + would for change.

• I wish I knew.
• If only I had listened.
• I wish he would stop.

Key contrast

At B2, choose the form from the complete context: sequence, viewpoint, degree of certainty and clause structure all matter.

Common mistakes

• I wish I know. → I wish I knew.
• I wish I would have studied. → I wish I had studied.

Remember

Use wish and if only to express dissatisfaction, regret and a desire for situations to be different.

Quick check

• Identify the time relationship or intended meaning.
• Check the auxiliary, participle and clause pattern.
• Eliminate answers that fit the words but not the context.