Wish and If Only: The Grammar of ‘I Should Have’
⏱ 5 Minutes · B2
📖 From Experience
I sometimes lie awake and think: I wish I had written that down. If only I had kept a record from the beginning. Now I write everything. But the grammar of regret — wish and if only — is worth understanding, because it shows you what you value.
📚 Three Structures
| Structure | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| wish/if only + past simple | unhappy about present | I wish I spoke French better. |
| wish/if only + past perfect | regret about past | I wish I had studied harder. |
| wish/if only + would | irritation / request | I wish it would stop raining. |
✅ Examples
- I wish I lived closer to the beach. (present situation)
- If only I had known earlier. (past regret)
- I wish the neighbours would be quieter. (annoyance with others)
✏️ Your Turn
Complete with the correct form:
- I wish I ___ (know) the answer. (I don’t know it now.)
- If only she ___ (call) before coming. (She didn’t call — past.)
- He wishes it ___ (stop) raining. (He’s annoyed.)
💡 Check Answers
- knew
- had called
- would stop
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