I wish (+ past / + past perfect)

I wish (+ past / + past perfect) means “I wish + past (about the present) or + past perfect (regret about the past): a way to long for a different reality”. Use I wish + past simple to wish the present were different: I wish I had more time (but I don't). Formation: wish + past simple (present) / wish + past perfect (past)

I wish + past (about the present) or + past perfect (regret about the past): a way to long for a different reality

B2

Formation

wish + past simple (present) / wish + past perfect (past)

Explanation

Use I wish + past simple to wish the present were different: I wish I had more time (but I don't). Use I wish + past perfect to regret the past: I wish I had studied harder (but I didn't). With the verb be, careful English prefers were for all subjects: I wish I were rich. I wish + would often complains about an annoying habit: I wish you would stop shouting.

Examples

I wish I were taller.
I wish I had studied harder for the test.

Note

I wish I was is common in informal speech, but I wish I were is safer in exams and formal writing.

FAQ

I wish (+ past / + past perfect) — what does it mean and how is it used?

I wish + past (about the present) or + past perfect (regret about the past): a way to long for a different reality. Use I wish + past simple to wish the present were different: I wish I had more time (but I don't). Use I wish + past perfect to regret the past: I wish I had studied harder (but I didn't). With the verb be, careful English prefers were for all subjects: I wish I were rich. I wish + would often complains about an annoying habit: I wish you would stop shouting.

I wish (+ past / + past perfect) — how do you form it?

wish + past simple (present) / wish + past perfect (past)

I wish (+ past / + past perfect) — any usage notes?

I wish I was is common in informal speech, but I wish I were is safer in exams and formal writing.

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