Wish Expressions for Regret: A Tutorial/ UNIT 3

 

1. Introduction

In English, we use "wish" expressions to talk about things we regret or wish were different—either in the present or the past. These expressions help us talk about unreal situations or mistakes we’d like to change.

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2. Expressing Regret About the Present

Structure:

I wish + simple past

Usage:

We use this structure to express a present situation that we’d like to be different—even though it’s still untrue.

Examples:

I wish I had more free time.

(I don’t have much free time, but I wish I did.)

I wish I were taller.

(I’m not tall, but I wish I were.)

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3. Expressing Regret About the Past

Structure:

I wish + past perfect

Usage:

We use this form to express regret about something that happened (or didn’t happen) in the past.

Examples:

I wish I had studied more for the exam.

(I didn’t study enough, and now I regret it.)

I wish I hadn't said those words.

(I regret saying those words in the past.)

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4. Alternative Expressions: "If Only"

Structure:

If only + simple past (for present regret)

If only + past perfect (for past regret)

Examples:

If only I had a car.

(Present regret: I don’t have a car but wish I did.)

If only I had listened to your advice.

(Past regret: I didn’t listen, and I wish I had.)

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5. Practice Exercises

1. Fill in the Blank (Past Regret):

I wish I ______ (to take) that opportunity when I had the chance.

Answer: I wish I had taken that opportunity when I had the chance.

2. Fill in the Blank (Present Regret):

I wish I ______ (to have) a better job right now.

Answer: I wish I had a better job right now.

3. Rewriting Sentences:

Rewrite the following sentence using a wish expression:

Original: I didn’t go to the party last night.

Rewritten: I wish I ______.

Answer: I wish I had gone to the party last night.

4. Using "If Only":

Convert this sentence: "I regret not saving more money last year."

Answer: If only I had saved more money last year.

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6. Summary

Use "I wish + simple past" to express regret about the present (a current situation you’d like to change).

Use "I wish + past perfect" to express regret about the past (something you did or didn’t do).

"If only" is an alternative way to express the same ideas.

Remember, these structures help us express things that aren’t true right now or changes we’d like to see about our past actions.