What Is “I Wish”?
We use I wish to talk about things we want or hope for. It can also show regrets or wishes about the present, future, or past.
Wishes About the Present or Future
I wish + Past Simple
We use this to talk about wishes or regrets about now or the future. We imagine a different situation.
I wish I were taller.
(I’m not tall.)
(I’m not tall.)
I wish I had more free time.
(I don’t have enough free time.)
(I don’t have enough free time.)
I wish she didn’t eat so fast.
(She eats fast, but I want her to eat slower.)
(She eats fast, but I want her to eat slower.)
Use were (not was) for all subjects with I wish to talk about unreal situations.
I wish I were on vacation now.
Wishes About What’s Happening Now
I wish + Past Continuous
We use this to say we want something different from what is happening now.
I wish I were sitting by the pool right now.
I wish it weren’t raining.
I wish he weren’t working late tonight.
Wishes About the Past
I wish + Past Perfect
We use this to show regret about something that happened (or didn’t happen) in the past.
I wish I had studied harder for the test.
I wish they hadn’t left early.
I wish I had known about the party
Wishes Showing Frustration or Hope for Change
I wish + would
We use this when we want someone to change their behavior or when we are annoyed.
I wish they would stop making noise.
I wish he would call me more often.
I wish she would listen to me.
Questions with “I Wish”
We make questions with do at the start:
Do you wish you were somewhere else?
Do you wish you had more time?
Do you wish they would hurry up?
Using “I Wish” Instead of “I Want”
I wish to apply for the job.
(more formal)
(more formal)
I want to apply for the job.
(less formal)
(less formal)
Using “I Wish” to Give Good Wishes
I wish you a happy birthday!
I wish you all the best!
I wish you success in your exams.
Other Ways to Express Wishes
If only
If only I could fly.
(I wish I could fly.)
(I wish I could fly.)
It’s time
It’s time you went to bed.
(You should go now.)
(You should go now.)
I would rather
I would rather you didn’t smoke here.
Comparing “I Wish” and “I Hope”
| I Wish | I Hope |
|---|---|
|
Used for wishes or regrets
|
Used to express hope
|
|
Less likely to happen
|
More likely to happen
|
|
I wish I were taller.
|
I hope I will be taller.
|
|
I wish I had more money.
|
I hope I get more money.
|
More Examples of “I Wish”
I wish I were better at cooking.
I wish I had taken that job.
I wish she would stop complaining.
I wish we were on holiday now.
I wish I hadn’t missed the bus.
