Wish

wish + past simple is used to express that we want a situation in the present
(or future) to be different.
We also use wish when we want to express the opposite of the reality.
 Some examples:
• I wish I could see you next week.
• I wish we could stop for a hot drink.
• I wish we had a bigger house.
• They are always busy. I wish they had more time.
• John was very lazy at school. Now he wishes he had worked harder
Wish + verb to be
In sentences with wish, we use were/weren't after wish with all pronouns, even it.
Examples:
1. I am poor.
I wish I were rich. Or I wish I weren’t poor.

2. John wishes he weren’t so busy.

3. I’m freezing, I wish it weren’t cold.

Wish + Could (past of can)

We use could with wish to talk about things in the present or future that we
would like to be different.
Examples:
1. I can’t speak Spanish
I wish I could speak Spanish.
2. She can’t play with her friends outside.
She wishes she could play with her friends.
Wish + would (the past of will)
We use wish + would if the action would take place in the future.
Example:
1. He won’t stop making noise.
I wish he’d stop making so much noise.
2. He won’t do his homework.
I wish he would do his homework.

3. I always have to get home early. I wish my parents would let me stay out
later.
Past Tense Forms

We use past tense to also talk about wishes for the future.

1. I don’t like this places. I wish I lived somewhere more interesting.

2. The balcony is too cramped. I wish I had a bigger balcony.