Sentence structure: Wishes: wish, if only

In this chapter

• Formula

  Now (not real): I wish I had a dog. · Past (didn't happen): I wish I had studied harder. · Something we want to change: I wish it would stop raining.

• Why a past form?

  Here the past form shows unreality, not past time: I wish I had a dog = I don't have a dog now.

• Color-coded examples

  I don't live near the sea now; the verb is past (lived), but the meaning is now.

  Example: I wish I lived near the sea.

  Example: If only it were Saturday!

• Turkish equivalents

  can → could.

  Example: I wish I could fly.

  Example: I wish you had been there.

• It's time and would rather

  It's time + subject + past: the meaning is now, with a feeling of “it should happen now”. It's time to go home is also correct.

  Example: It is time we went home.

  Example: I would rather stay home tonight.

• Tip

  Don't use wish + would about yourself: “I wish I would be taller” is wrong → I wish I were taller. Use would when you want someone else or a situation to change.