FUTURE WISHES
(wish / If only + would/could)
(wish / If only + would/could)
I can't speak Italian but I want to learn.
I wish I could speak Italian.
I don't have much free time (and I need more).
I wish I had more free time.
If only I had more free time.
I quit my job so now I'm broke.
I wish I hadn't quit my job.
If only I hadn't quit my job.
I bought tickets in the lowest section of the stadium. I couldn't see anything there.
I should have bought seats in the upper/front/higher section.
I want to help you. I can't because I have to work.
I wish I could help you.
It's so hot (and I hate hot weather)!
I wish it wasn't/weren't so hot!
If only it wasn't/weren't so hot!
Last week I bought a new handbag and spent my whole paycheck.
I wish I hadn't bought that handbag.
If only I hadn't bought that handbag.
I didn't check my mail for days. I had a very important mail from my boss. I lost a big job opportunity.
I should have checked my mail regularly.
My brother never does his chores.
I wish my brother would do his chores.
People don't care about climate change (and I want them to care more).
I wish people cared (more) about climate change.
If only people cared (more) about climate change.
I'm starving. I should have eaten breakfast this morning.
I wish I had eaten breakfast this morning.
If only I had eaten breakfast this morning.
I lied to my boss and went on vacation. My boss found out and I was fired.
She shouldn't have lied to her boss (and gone on vacation).
Those students are so noisy! They won't stop talking!
I wish those students would stop talking.
I have to get up early tomorrow (but I'd prefer to sleep late).
I wish I didn't have to get up early tomorrow.
If only I didn't have to get up early tomorrow.
I missed my flight yesterday. I took an airport shuttle but it took 2 hours!
I wish I had taken a taxi / train.
I wish I hadn't taken the airport shuttle.
If only I had left earlier.
I didn't check the receipt when I paid. They overcharged about $1,000 on my account.
I should have checked the receipt when I paid.
My mother sings in the house all the time. I want her to stop.
I wish my mother would stop singing in the house.
It's snowing right now (so we can't leave the house).
I wish it wasn't / weren't snowing right now.
If only it wasn't / weren't snowing right now.
This book is so boring. Why did I start reading it ?!
I wish I hadn't started reading this book.
I didn't take my car for a service before going on a long road trip. The car broke down and now I'm stranded on the road.
I should have taken my car for a service before going on a long road trip.