I WISH / IF ONLY

PRESENT PAST SITUATION ANNOYANCE

SITUATION REGRET COMPLAINTS
WISH / IF ONLY + WISH / IF ONLY + SUBJECT WISH / IF ONLY + SUBJECT
SUBJECT + PAST SIMPLE + PAST PERFECT + WOULD (INFINITIVE)

It is used to express that we want It is used to express a regret, or It is used to express impatience,
a situation in the present (or that we want a situation in the annoyance or dissatisfaction with
future) to be different. past to be different. a present action.

I wish I saw you more I wish I had bought the I wish you wouldn't
often. tickets earlier. shout so much.
If only I spoke French. If only she had told me If only this car would
I wish you were here. before. go faster.
If only I didn't live in the I wish I had taken your I wish it would stop
city.
advice. raining!