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Introduction
Regrets are things you wish you could change about your past. For example, someone might have regrets about not learning a musical instrument when they were younger.
Learn how to talk about your regrets in English with Neil, Pippa and grammar guru Georgie, using the third conditional, 'wish' and regret plus a gerund.
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Grammar explanation
wish
Use 'wish' plus the past perfect to talk about things about your past that you would change if you could.
Examples:
I wish I had learnt to play the saxophone as a child.
They wish they had bought a house earlier when the prices were lower.
third conditional
Use the third conditional to imagine a different past. In the condition clause (if clause), use the past perfect. In the result clause (main clause), use would + have + past participle. Learn more here.
mixed conditional
Use this mixed conditional to talk about how a past action or situation affects your life in the present. In the condition clause (if clause), use the past perfect. In the result clause (main clause), use would + base verb (infinitive). Learn more here.
Examples:
If I had learnt French as a child, I'd be able to speak it well now.
If I'd had a better night sleep, I wouldn't be so tired today.
regret + gerund
Use 'regret' as a verb + a gerund (verb in the -ing form) to talk about actions you regret doing or not doing.
Examples:
Beth regrets not learning French.
I regret buying so many clothes when I was at university – they're all so ugly!
To do
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Learn more about conditionals with the video series Conditionals with Georgie.
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