Wish and If Only

Start with a mind map

Begin with the Wishes and regrets mind map. It looks at wishes about the present and gives examples using past tense forms. As you read, notice how each example describes a situation the speaker would like to be different.

For another view, look at the map on regrets with wish and if only. It covers things someone would like to change about the past or present and includes a structure using the past perfect. Compare it with the first map as you study.

Move from examples to practice

The flashcard deck with extra practice asks learners to turn statements about things they want into sentences beginning with “I wish”. It also includes an unfinished sentence about an imaginary situation. Use the prompts after reading a map, then return to the map to check the forms you have been studying.

The quiz on wishes and imaginary situations includes sentences with missing words. Try it after the flashcards. If a sentence is difficult, look back at a relevant map and study its examples before trying the quiz again.

Explore other uses

The page also lists a map on using wish with a noun and a more formal use similar to “want to”. Another map brings wish together with would and omitting if. These offer different starting points once you have looked at wishes and regrets.

Teachers can choose a map and a practice resource to work through with school students. Students can also compare the way different community-made resources present the same topic.

Connect the topic to the unit

Wish and If Only is a section of the Conditionals unit in English language. The listed maps on conditionals and wishes, and on using conditionals, provide places to explore that connection. Pick a resource and follow the examples at your own pace.