grammar · academic

I wish + past simple

Band 6-7speakingtask2

Used to talk about regrets or desires about present situations that are not true.

Examples

“I wish I had more free time to practise speaking English.”

“She wishes she lived closer to her family.”

“I wish I knew that sooner.”

Band 8 sentence

“I wish I spoke Spanish fluently; then I wouldn't have to rely on translation apps whenever I travel.”

Collocations

  • wish + that + clause
  • wish + someone + would + V
  • wish + I + could + V

Common mistakes

I wish I have more time.→I wish I had more time.

I wish I will pass the exam.→I hope I will pass the exam.

I wish she will stop.→I wish she would stop.

Say it for a higher band

5I hope + clause→6I want + clause→7+I wish + past simple

Synonyms

If only + past simple

I hope

Easily confused

I hope + clause

“I hope I pass the exam tomorrow.”

Related words

By the time + clause, clauseWhether + clause (or not)So + adjective + that + clauseEven if + clause, clauseSuch + (a/an) + noun + that + clauseIf + past perfect, would have + past participleOn the one hand + clause; on the other hand + clauseGiven that + clause, + clause

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In Complex sentences

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