Wish Exercises – Learn to Express Desires and Regrets

What Does "Wish" Mean in English?

The verb "wish" is used when we talk about situations that are different from reality. We use it to express our desires, regrets, or hopes about the present, the past, or the future. Understanding how "wish" changes with time is important before practicing exercises.

How to Use "Wish" Correctly

When we use "wish," the verb form that follows depends on whether we are speaking about the present, past, or future. Each form expresses a different idea:

1. Wish About the Present

We use wish + past simple to talk about situations that are true now, but we want them to be different.

• Example: I wish I were taller. (But I am not taller.)
• Example: She wishes she had more free time. (But she doesn’t have it.)

2. Wish About the Past

We use wish + past perfect to express regrets about something that already happened. It shows that we want the past to be different.

• Example: I wish I had studied harder. (But I didn’t study.)
• Example: They wish they had gone to the party. (But they didn’t.)

3. Wish About the Future

We use wish + would + base verb to talk about situations we want to change in the future, usually things we find annoying or hope will be different.

• Example: I wish it would stop raining. (But it is still raining.)
• Example: He wishes she would call him. (But she hasn’t called yet.)

Wish Forms Summary Table

Practical Grammar Tips

• Use "were" instead of "was" after "I" in formal English: I wish I were...
• For past regrets, always use wish + past perfect: I wish I had...
• For the future, remember that wish + would often shows annoyance: I wish you would listen.