Wish and If Only

What are wish and if only?

We use wish and if only to say that we want a situation to be different from what it really is. They talk about imaginary situations, so the verb after them moves one step back in time (present → past, past → past perfect).

I wish I had more free time. (But I don't have much free time.)

If only means the same as I wish, but it is stronger and more emotional.

If only I hadn't sent that email!

How to form sentences with wish

The word that after wish is optional: I wish (that) I knew the answer.

Wish changes like a normal verb: she wishes, they wished. The verb after it does not change: She wishes she had a dog.

When to use wish and if only

1. Wish + past simple: unhappy about the present

Use the past simple form, but the meaning is present:

• I wish I had a bigger apartment. (I have a small one.)
• She wishes she didn't have to work on Saturdays. (She has to.)
• I wish I knew what to say. (I don't know.)
• If only it was / were warmer today!

2. Wish + past perfect: regrets about the past

Use the past perfect to talk about something that happened (or didn't happen) in the past and that you now regret:

• I wish I had bought a winter coat before I came to Canada.
• He wishes he hadn't sold his car.
• We wish we had taken more photos at the wedding.
• If only I had listened to you!

3. Wish + could: ability or possibility

Use could for something you can't do now, or a possibility that isn't real:

• I wish I could speak French. (I can't.)
• I wish I could come to your party, but I'm working.
• For the past, use could have + past participle: I wish I could have stayed longer.

4. Wish + would: annoyance and wanting change

Use would when you are annoyed or impatient with another person (or a thing) and want them to change their behaviour:

• I wish you would put your dishes in the dishwasher.
• I wish my neighbours wouldn't play music so late.
• I wish it would stop snowing! (for weather, too)
• If only the bus would come.

Do not use I wish I would — use I wish I could or I wish I + past simple instead (see Common mistakes).

5. If only: stronger feelings

If only follows the same rules as wish. It is often used alone as an exclamation:

• If only I had more money!
• If only we hadn't missed the flight!
• If only you would listen to me!

Was or were after wish?

After wish and if only, you can use were with all subjects: I wish I were, I wish he were.

• I wish I were on holiday.
• I wish I was on holiday.

Both are used. Were is more formal and is the safer choice in writing and exams. Was is very common in everyday speech.

Wish vs hope

• Wrong: I wish you will have a great trip.
• Correct: I hope you have a great trip.

Wish + noun: good wishes

Wish can also be used with a person + a noun to express good wishes. Here there is no imaginary meaning:

• We wish you a merry Christmas.
• I wish you a happy birthday.
• I wish you good luck with the interview.
• Best wishes, Anna (at the end of a message)

Wish + to + base verb is a formal way to say want: I wish to make a complaint.

Wish vs mixed conditionals

Wish and conditionals use the same "one step back" rule. A regret with wish can often be rewritten as a mixed conditional:

• I wish I had learned to drive. → If I had learned to drive, I would have more job options now.

Common mistakes

1. Using a present tense after wish

• Wrong: I wish I have a car.
• Correct: I wish I had a car.
• Reason: for the present, wish is followed by the past simple.

2. Using would after "I wish I"

• Wrong: I wish I would be taller.
• Correct: I wish I were taller.
• Reason: would is for other people's behaviour; for yourself, use the past simple or could.

3. Using the past simple for a past regret

• Wrong: I wish I didn't eat so much last night.
• Correct: I wish I hadn't eaten so much last night.
• Reason: a past regret needs the past perfect.

4. Using wish for real future hopes

• Wrong: I wish you will get the job.
• Correct: I hope you get the job.
• Reason: for a real, possible future, use hope.

5. Using would for states

• Wrong: I wish my apartment would be bigger.
• Correct: I wish my apartment was / were bigger.
• Reason: would is for actions and behaviour, not states like size.

6. Using "would have" after wish for the past

• Wrong: I wish I would have told her.
• Correct: I wish I had told her.
• Reason: standard English uses the past perfect. "I wish I would have" is heard in casual speech, especially in North America, but it is not standard, so avoid it in writing and exams.

Quick reference

Common questions

Is it 'I wish I was' or 'I wish I were'?

Both are correct. Were is more formal and is preferred in writing and exams; was is common in everyday speech.

What is the difference between 'wish' and 'if only'?

The grammar is the same. If only is stronger and more emotional, and it often appears as an exclamation: "If only I had more time!"

Can I say 'I wish you a happy birthday'?

Yes. Wish + person + noun is used for good wishes: "I wish you a happy birthday", "We wish you all the best." This is different from wish + clause, which talks about imaginary situations.

Practise next

• Mixed Conditionals — imagine a different past and its effect on now.
• Conditionals — the second and third conditionals use the same verb forms.
• Past Perfect — the form you need for past regrets.
• B2 Advanced Grammar Quiz — test conditionals and other B2 structures.