Learning English

I wish...

We all have wishes and regrets. The phrase I wish can be used to talk about the past, present or future. But what verb form should follow it? Helen takes us back in time to answer that question.

ቨዲዮውን ተመልክተው ክንውኑን ይፈፅሙ

Summary

Wishes are usually unlikely or impossible to become reality. When talking about the past they are often in the form of regrets. After I wish in these situations use the past perfect.

• I wish I hadn't drunk so much last night.
• I wish I'd accepted that job.
• I wish I hadn't read the reviews before I went to see the film.

When talking about the present or future, a wish is expressed with a form that looks like the past simple.

• I wish I had more money.
• I wish I didn't have to go to work next week.
• I wish I made better use of my time.

This form is the subjunctive and the only difference between the past subjunctive and past simple is the verb to be which uses were for all subjects.

• I wish I were famous.
• I wish I were ten years younger.
• I wish I were more popular.

So, after I wish, use the past simple except when the verb is to be. In this case, use were. When the situation you are talking about is in the past, use the past perfect.

To do

Test yourself on the correct forms after I wish in our quiz.

End of Session

Well done, that's the end of this session.

Many thanks to the staff and students of Avalon School of English for their help with this feature.

Next

Time for another visit to our favourite restaurant, The White Elephant.