WISH

WISH

1. Wish + Past simple

   • We can use it to talk about something that we would like to be different in the present or the future. It's used for things which are impossible or very unlikely.
   • I wish that I had a big house
     • I don't have a big house, but it's a nice idea!

2. We don't usually use 'wish' in this way for things that are really possible in the future. Instead, we use 'hope'

   • Ex: I hope that you pass on your exam

3. Wish + Would

   • It's generally used about other people who are doing (or not doing) something that we don't like and we want that person to change
   • I wish that John wouldn't eat all the chocolate.
     • John does usually eat all the chocolate and I don't like it. I want him to change his behaviour!

4. Wish + Past perfect

   • We can use 'wish' with the past perfect to talk about regrets from the past
   • I wish that I hadn't eaten so much yesterday!
     • But I did eat a lot yesterday. Now I think it wasn't a good idea

5. Other uses of 'wish'

   • Wish + to + infinitive
     • I wish to go now.
   • Wish + object + to + infinitive
     • I do not wish you to publish this article
   • Wish + somebody + something
     • They wished us Merry Christmas.