Wish and if only
Use wish and if only to express dissatisfaction, regret and a desire for situations to be different.
Learning goal: Wish and if only
Choose past simple for present wishes, past perfect for past regrets and would for desired change.
In a nutshell
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.
Pattern
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.
Examples
Key contrast
At B2, choose the form from the complete context: sequence, viewpoint, degree of certainty and clause structure all matter.
Watch out
Common mistakes
I wish I know.→ I wish I knew.I wish I would have studied.→ I wish I had studied.
Key takeaway
Remember
Use wish and if only to express dissatisfaction, regret and a desire for situations to be different.
Self-check
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.
Put it into practice
Ready to test Wish and if only?
A short interactive practice session with instant feedback — about 10 questions calibrated to B2 First.
Start practice