Use |
Structure |
Example |
Expressing wishes about the present,future or generally |
wish/if only + past simple/ continuous |
I wish I was studying history of fashion instead of biology! |
Expressing wishes about the past |
wish / if only + past perfect simple/continuous |
If only I'd known Burton's was having a sale last week. |
Criticising other people or complaining about a situation now, in the future or generally |
wish/if only + would |
If only Henry would get a haircut! |
Expressing hypothetical ability or permission now, in the future or generally |
wish /if only + could |
I wish I could fit into these jeans. |
Expressing desires in a formal way |
wish + full infinitive |
I wish to try on this ball gown. |