English lesson | Wishes and regrets

In this English lesson, you will learn 4 structures to express wishes and regrets.


wish + past simple
= to describe a situation in the present that we would like to be different.
We use the past simple form, but our regret is in the present.

Example: I wish I had more friends.



wish + someone / something + "would" + base form of verb
= we want someone to change their behaviour
or
= we want something to happen

Example: I wish you would listen.


wish + past perfect
= to describe a past situation that we regret.

Example: I wish I had gone to the concert.


We can also use "never" with a negative to emphasise our regret:
Example: I wish I had never gone to the concert.
(I went to the concert. I really regret it now.)



"if only" + past perfect
= This is another way to describe situation from the past that we regret.
If only I had passed my exams.
(I didn't pass my exams. I regret it now.)

"if only" + past perfect
and
wish + past perfect

The meaning of the above 2 structures is the same.
The difference is that "if only" is slightly more formal.


There are lots of examples and detailed explanations in in the video. The accent is a British English accent.

Private English lessons and speaking practice with a native teacher:
IELTS online course with practice tests and ebook:


Other English lessons:
Past simple:
Past perfect:
Verb "to be":

Playlists:

Grammar:
Advice to improve your English:
Listening practice:
Vocabulary:


Andrew,
Crown Academy of English

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