We use wish + past simple to say that we want a present situation to be different. The past tense shows that the situation is unreal, exactly like in the second conditional. “Wish + would” expresses annoyance about someone’s behaviour.
Form
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| wish + past simple (present situation) | I wish I had more time. |
| wish + were (all persons, formal) | I wish I were taller. |
| wish + would (annoying behaviour) | I wish he would stop talking. |
When to use it
- Unreal present: I wish I lived by the sea. (I don't.)
- Ability: I wish I could play the piano.
- Annoyance: I wish you wouldn't leave your socks on the floor.
- Use were after I/he/she/it in formal English: I wish I were rich.
Examples
- I wish I had a bigger flat.
- She wishes she lived closer to work.
- I wish I could speak French.
- I wish it were summer.
- They wish they didn't have to work today.
- I wish you would listen to me.
Common mistakes
- Present tense after wish: I wish I have more time → I wish I had more time.
- “Would” for your own wish: I wish I would be taller → I wish I were taller.
- Confusing it with “hope”: I hope it stops raining (possible) vs I wish it would stop raining (unlikely).