Expressing Wish and Regret

The Basics

We use specific structures to talk about things we want to be different. The grammar changes depending on whether we are talking about the Present, the Past, or a Change in Behavior.

The most common structures are I wish and If only. Note that If only is usually stronger and more emphatic than "I wish".

1. Wishes about the Present

We use this structure when we want a situation now to be different. It is impossible or unlikely to change.

Grammar Rule: Move the tense one step back (to the Past Simple).

Subject + WISH + Past Simple

Situation: I don't have a car.
Wish: I wish I had a car.

Situation: I live in a small apartment.
Wish: I wish I lived in a big house.

Situation: It is raining right now.
Wish: If only it wasn't raining.

Special Rule: With the verb 'to be', it is formal and correct to use were for all subjects (I, he, she, it).

I wish I were taller.
I wish he were here.

2. Regrets about the Past

We use this structure to express regret about something that happened (or didn't happen) in the past. We cannot change it.

Grammar Rule: Move the tense back to the Past Perfect.

Subject + WISH + Past Perfect (had + V3)

Situation: I didn't study for the exam.
Regret: I wish I had studied for the exam.

Situation: I ate too much chocolate.
Regret: I wish I hadn't eaten so much chocolate.

Situation: We missed the train.
Regret: If only we had left earlier.

3. Complaints & Annoyance (The Future)

We use Wish + Would to complain about a behavior that we find annoying. We want someone else to change their behavior.

Subject + WISH + WOULD + Base Verb

Important: The subject of "wish" and "would" must be different. You cannot say "I wish I would...".

I wish you would stop smoking.
(I am annoyed by your smoking. I want you to stop.)

I wish it would stop raining.
(I am annoyed by the rain. I want it to stop.)

I wish the neighbors would be quiet.
(They are noisy, and it bothers me.)

4. Should Have (Criticism)

Another common way to express regret or criticism about the past is using Should have.

SHOULD HAVE + Past Participle

Wish + Past Perfect	Should have + Past Participle
I wish I had gone to bed earlier.	I should have gone to bed earlier.
I wish I hadn't bought this phone.	I shouldn't have bought this phone.
I wish he had called me.	He should have called me.

5. Common Mistake: Wish vs. Hope

We use Wish for things that are imaginary or impossible. We use Hope for things that are possible (often in the future).

Incorrect: I wish you pass the exam.
Correct: I hope you pass the exam.
(It is possible you will pass.)

Correct: I wish I knew the answer.
(I don't know it. It is an imaginary desire.)