I wish (if only) ( regret about the present)

Form
Khẳng định: S + wish(es) + (that) + S + V( past simple)
Ex: I wish that I studied harder at school. (I didn’t study hard at school, and
now I’m sorry about it).

Phủ định: S + wish(es) + (that) + S + not +V( past simple)

Ex: I wish that we didn’t need to work today (we do need to work today).

Cấu trúc If only: If only + (that) + S + (not) + V( past simple)

Ex: If only that you lived close by (you don’t live close by).
 I wish (if only) ( regret about the present)

Use
Regret about a present situation which we want to be
different.
Example:
: Mary wishes Lan had met her yesterday
(mary ước Lan đã gặp cô ấy vào hô qua)
: my mom wishes I hadn’t broken her vase yesterday.
(mẹ tôi ước tôi đã không làm vỡ cái lọ hoa ngày hôm qua)
 I wish (if only) ( regret about the present)

Note
1. Có thể dùng were thay cho was ( trong trường hợp trang
trọng)
Ex: She wishes she were a rich person.

2. Có thể dùng could trong câu wish ( thể hiện khả năng)
Ex: I wish that I could speak China.
I wish (if only) ( wish/regret about the present)

Form
S1+wish(e/es)/(If only)+S2+could+V(inf)+O
Ex: I wish I Could ride a bicycle. (But I can’t)

Use
Wish or regret in the present concerning lack of ability
 I wish (if only) ( wish/regret about the present)

More examples:
• I wish that I could speak English ( but I can’t )
• She wishes She could dance everyday( She can’t dance
everyday)
• I wish I could sing this song ( but I can’t sing this song)
• If only I could sing this song ( more dramatic)
 I wish ( if only ) (impossible wish for a future change )

Affirmative: S + wish(es) + (that) + S + would/could + V

• I wish I could meet my boyfriend tomorrow.
• Tôi ước tôi có thể gặp bạn trai tôi vào ngày mai.

Negative: S + wish(es) + (that) + S + would/could + not + V

• I wish that John wouldn’t busy tomorrow (he is busy tomorrow).
• Tôi ước John không bận vào ngày mai.

If only structure: If only + S + would/could + (not) + V

• If only I would be able to attend your wedding the next day.
• Tôi ước tôi có thể đến dự đám cưới của anh.
 I wish ( if only ) (impossible wish for a future change )

Use
• wish for a future change unlikely to happen or wish to express
dissatisfaction
• polite request implying dissatisfaction or lack of hope

• I wish he would study for his exams. (But don't think he will. -wish for a future
change unlikely to happen)
• I wish Jane would go to university. (Jane has refused to do so and I'm unhappy
about it. - dissatisfaction)
 I wish ( if only ) (REGET ABOUT THE PAST)

Form
• (+) S + wish(es) + (that) + S + had + vpii + O
• (-) S + wish(es)+ (that) + S + had not + vpii + O
• If only:
• (+) If only + S + (that) + S + had + vpii + O
• (-) If only + S + (that) + S + had not + vpii + O
 I wish ( if only ) (REGET ABOUT THE PAST)

USE:
Regret that something happened or didn’t happen in the past
Ex:
1: She wishes she hadn’t missed school last Monday.

2: I wish I had done my homework last night.

3: If only I had came to class earlier than yesterday.