This structure is used to wish or to regret “If only” means the same as I wish but it often expresses a stronger desire I wish + Use Examples Past Simple To change a present situation I wish I was/were less shy If only you were here Past Perfect To wish that a past situation had happened in a different way I wish he had invited me out I wish you hadn’t been so rude Would + bare To change a present or future situation when it doesn’t depend on you NOTE: It cannot be used with the same subject: I wish I would…* I wish it would rain If only you would stop smoking infinitive (without “to”)  * I wish I would be taller I wish I were taller  MATCH THE SENTENCES IN COLUMN A TO COLUMN B A B e I’m exhausted a I wish I had studied a difference course       I’m going to London for a holiday b I wish we hadn’t gone on holiday I want to go out on my bicycle c I wish it would stop raining Val was my best friend at school d I wish I could speak English I haven’t spoken to Belinda for ages e I wish I hadn’t worked all weekend  The hotel was terrible, I didn’t enjoy it The degree I did was very boring f I wish she lived near me g I wish she would call me COMPLETE THE SENTENCES WITH THE CORRECT FORM OF THE VERBS IN BRACKETS I wish we had (have) more time If only Sally _ (help) me more often with the housework I wish we _ (not have) to this homework If only we (speak) English better If only I (not like) ice cream I wish you _ (live) closer to my house  MATCH THE SENTENCES IN COLUMN A TO COLUMN B A B g I’m an only child a We wish we had boyfriends  I didn’t get a very good mark  We had an argument  We want to go to the dance with someone  I don’t have much money  It’s raining now; we have to stay at home  We’ve been driving around for ages b If only that dress cost less c I wish we could find the house d If only we had gone out this morning e If only Sam would speak to again f I wish I had passed the exam g I wish I had a brother  MICK IS LOST IN THE DESERT WRITE SENTENCES USING I WISH I haven’t got any water  I wish I had some water I haven’t got any water I wish The jeep won’t start I wish I didn’t bring a map or compass I wish I haven’t got a bike I wish I did not go with a guide I wish  WRITE SENTENCES FROM THE WORDS GIVEN USING I WISH OR IF ONLY I failed my maths exam again (I / study more)  I _wish I had studied more_ My cousins live in the U.S I never see them (I / can visit them) I forgot my mum’s birthday (I / write it down) I can’t sleep at night (it / be so hot) It’s raining and I’m cold (I / remember umbrella) The bus is late again (I / have a car) I didn’t see her because I arrived too late (I / arrive earlier) It won’t stop raining and I want to go out (it / stop raining) I can’t afford that MP4 player (I / have more money) I’m absolutely exhausted today (I / go to bed earlier) 10 My best friend is angry with me (We / not argue)  WRITE A SENTENCE WITH WISH FOR EACH SITUATION I never have enough time to everything  I wish I had more time I’m always afraid of things I wish I can’t swim very well I wish My mum can’t cook I wish I’ve got a very old backpack I wish We don’t have much time to get to the concert I wish  EXPRESSING REGRET MATCH A TO COLUMN B A f I feel so full B a If only I had slept last night  I’m exhausted b I wish I had a jumper with me  I’ve just burnt my mouth c I should have gone to the police  I’ve lost my wallet d If only I didn’t have to wash their clothes!  I can’t learn English e I wish I had been born in London  It’s freezing f I wish I hadn’t eaten so much  The boys are filthy g If I had tested the soup I would have felt that it was boiling  IMAGINE YOU ARE IN THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS COMPLETE THEM 1) You have an important exam The bus is late  I wish the bus  I wish I had  I wish _ 2) You’re on holiday in Scotland It’s raining (again!)  I wish I was  I wish the rain  I wish _