Grammar Lesson – How to Use I Wish / If Only

When you say “I wish…” you are talking about something that you want but probably will not happen, or you don’t think will happen. Learn how to use I Wish / If Only in this lesson.

Table of Contents

• How to Use I Wish / If Only
  • Use of I Wish / If Only
  • Expressing a Wish
    • Form
    • Use
  • Expressing Regret
    • Form
    • Use
  • Complaining
    • Form
    • Use
  • How to Use I Wish / If Only | Image

How to Use I Wish / If Only

Use of I Wish / If Only

There are three distinct types of  I wish / if only  sentences:

1. Wish, wanting change for the present or future with the simple past.
2. Regret with the past perfect.
3. Complaints with would + verb.
   
   
   

   Expressing a Wish

   Form

   If only / I wish + simple past

   Example:
   If only I knew how to use a computer. (I don’t know how to use a computer and I would like to learn how to use it)

   Use

   To express a wish in the present or in the future.
   The simple past here is an unreal past.
   When you use the verb to be the form is “were”.
   Example: I wish I were a millionaire!
   
   
   

   Expressing Regret

   Form

   If only / I wish + past perfect

   Example:
   If only I had woken up early. (I didn’t wake up early and I missed my bus.)

   Use

   • To express regret.
   • The action is past.
     
     
     

   Complaining

   Form

   I wish / if only + would + verb

   Example:
   I wish you wouldn’t arrive so late all the time (I’m annoyed because you always come late and I want you to arrive on time)

   Use

   • To complain about a behavior that you disapprove.
   • Expressing impatience, annoyance or dissatisfaction with present action.