Wish and if only are essential structures for expressing things we want to be different — whether that is a present situation we dislike, a past event we regret, or a habit of someone else that annoys us. These structures use the subjunctive mood, which means the verb form looks like a past tense even though it refers to the present or future. Cambridge B2 and C1 exams test these structures extensively in Use of English, Writing and Speaking tasks, making them a high-priority area for upper-intermediate and advanced learners.
Wish + Past Simple — Present and Future Wishes
Use wish + past simple to express that you want a current situation to be different. The past simple here does not refer to the past — it signals an unreal, hypothetical meaning (the subjunctive). For the verb be, both was and were are acceptable, but were is preferred in formal English and is always correct in the phrase If I were you.
| Structure | Example | Meaning |
|---|
| wish + past simple | I wish I knew the answer. | I don't know the answer (now). |
| wish + were (formal) | She wishes she were taller. | She is not tall (now). |
| wish + could + verb | I wish I could swim. | I am unable to swim (now). |
| if only + past simple | If only he lived closer. | He doesn't live close (now). |
Wish + Past Perfect — Past Regrets
Use wish + past perfect to express regret about something that happened (or did not happen) in the past. The event cannot be changed — it is finished. If only is interchangeable with wish in this structure and adds a stronger emotional weight, often implying frustration or sorrow.
| Structure | Example | Meaning |
|---|
| wish + had + past participle | I wish I had studied harder. | I didn't study hard enough (past regret). |
| wish + hadn't + past participle | She wishes she hadn't said that. | She said it and now regrets it. |
| if only + past perfect | If only they had left earlier. | They didn't leave early — strong regret. |
| wish + could have + pp | I wish I could have helped you. | I was unable to help (past). |
Wish + Would — Complaints and Desired Changes
Use wish + would + verb to complain about a current situation or someone else's behaviour that you want to change. Crucially, you cannot use wish + would to talk about yourself — say I wish I were more patient, not I wish I would be more patient. Would rather is a related structure used to express a preference.
| Structure | Example | Meaning |
|---|
| wish + subject + would + verb | I wish he would stop talking. | He keeps talking — I find it annoying. |
| if only + subject + would + verb | If only the rain would stop. | It is raining and I want it to stop. |
| would rather + past simple | I'd rather you didn't smoke here. | A polite wish about someone else's action. |
| would rather + bare infinitive | I'd rather stay home tonight. | A personal preference about own action. |
Common Mistakes
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Using present tense after wish for present wishes: I wish I know the answer.
I wish I knew the answer. (past simple required)
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Using wish + would for the speaker: I wish I would be more confident.
I wish I were more confident. (use past simple / were, not would)
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Using simple past instead of past perfect for past regrets: I wish I studied harder last year.
I wish I had studied harder last year. (past perfect required)
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Confusing if only with if in conditionals: If only I study more, I will pass.
If only I had studied more. (if only expresses a wish/regret, not a real condition)
Practice Exercises
See also: English Grammar Guide and English Conditionals Guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between wish and if only?
Both wish and if only express hypothetical desires or regrets and follow exactly the same grammar rules. The key difference is tone and emphasis. If only is more emphatic and emotionally stronger than wish, often expressing frustration, deep longing or dramatic regret. Compare: I wish I had more time (a neutral desire) and If only I had more time! (a stronger, more emotional lament). In written English, if only frequently appears without a main clause, standing alone as an exclamation.
Which verb form do I use after wish for present wishes?
Use the past simple after wish to express that a current situation is different from what you want: I wish I spoke French (I don't speak French now). For the verb be, use were in formal English for all persons: I wish I were taller; She wishes she were here. The form was is also acceptable in informal speech, but were is always correct and preferred in writing and exams. For ability, use wish + could + verb: I wish I could drive.
How do I express a past regret using wish?
Use wish + past perfect (had + past participle) to express regret about something that happened or did not happen in the past: I wish I had applied for that job. She wishes she hadn't left so early. If only they had listened to the advice. The past perfect signals that the event is finished and cannot be changed. The negative is wish + hadn't + past participle: I wish I hadn't eaten so much.
When do I use wish + would?
Use wish + would + verb when you want to express a complaint about a repeated action or a current situation involving another person or an external thing that you want to change: I wish he would stop interrupting me. If only the weather would improve. This structure implies annoyance or frustration. Important: do not use wish + would to talk about yourself. Say I wish I were more patient, not I wish I would be more patient. Would cannot refer to the speaker's own actions in this structure.
What is the difference between wish + past simple and wish + would?
Both refer to present or future situations, but the focus differs. Wish + past simple expresses that a fact or state is different from what you want: I wish he were taller (a permanent or long-term state). Wish + would expresses a desire for a change in behaviour or a repeated action, with a nuance of annoyance or impatience: I wish he would be quieter (stop doing something right now or habitually). The past simple is used for states; would is used for actions and behaviours you want to change.
What does would rather mean and how is it related to wish?
Would rather (often contracted to I'd rather) expresses a preference. When the preference involves your own action, use would rather + bare infinitive: I'd rather stay home. I'd rather have tea than coffee. When the preference involves someone else's action, use would rather + subject + past simple: I'd rather you didn't call after 9pm. I'd rather she came alone. This second pattern is closely related to wish + past simple and is equally hypothetical and polite. Would rather is tested at B2 and C1 level.
Can I use wish + could for present situations?
Yes. Wish + could + verb expresses a wish about present ability or possibility: I wish I could play the piano. She wishes she could afford a holiday. Could here functions as the past of can in the subjunctive. For past inability that you regret, use wish + could have + past participle: I wish I could have attended the ceremony. Note that wish + can is incorrect — always use could after wish when expressing ability.
How is wish different from hope?
Hope refers to something that is realistically possible in the future and is followed by the present simple or will: I hope it doesn't rain. I hope she will be there. Wish refers to something hypothetical, contrary to reality, or very unlikely, and is followed by a past tense or past perfect: I wish it didn't rain so much (it does rain a lot — I want reality to be different). Never use wish + will to talk about the future — use hope + will instead: I hope you will visit us soon (not I wish you will visit).
How are wish and if only tested in Cambridge B2 and C1 exams?
In Cambridge FCE (B2) and CAE (C1) exams, wish and if only appear mainly in Use of English Part 4 (Key Word Transformations), where you must rewrite a sentence using a given key word. Common transformations include converting a statement about reality into a wish structure: She doesn't have a car → She wishes she had a car. He regrets not coming → He wishes he had come / If only he had come. You may also see them in Part 2 (Open Cloze) and Writing, where natural use of these structures demonstrates range of grammar.
What are the most common mistakes with wish and if only?
The four most common errors are: (1) using the present tense instead of past simple for present wishes — I wish I know → I wish I knew; (2) using wish + would for yourself — I wish I would be braver → I wish I were braver; (3) using simple past instead of past perfect for past regrets — I wish I studied harder → I wish I had studied harder; (4) confusing if only with a real conditional — If only I study hard, I will pass is wrong — if only always expresses a wish or regret, not a real condition.