Wish and if only for regrets

Form:

Subject + wish + past perfect

If only + subject + past perfect

Function:

We use wish/if only + past perfect to talk about things we would like to change about the past.

                              

Examples:

• I wish I had learned to play a musical instrument when I was younger.
• I wish I had been more adventurous.
• I definitely wish I hadn´t smoked.
• If only I had changed careers years ago.

                        

Watch out!!

I wish I hadn´t broken my leg when I was a teenager (Right).

I wish I didn´t break my leg when I was a teenager (Wrong).

If only I hadn´t left my job (Right).

If only a haven´t left my job (Wrong).

Practice

Complete the second sentence using the words in parentheses so that it means the same as the first.

• My doctor gave me good advice. I didn´t listen. (Wish).

I wish I had listened to my doctor´s advice.

• Terri wanted to go to college, but she didn´t go (wishes).

Terri wishes she had gone to college.

• I ate a huge breakfast this morning. Now I feel sick (only).

If only I hadn´t eaten a huge breakfast this morning.

• James stayed up late last night. This morning he´s really tired (wishes).

James wishes he hadn´t stayed up late last night.

• I didn´t work hard in school. I failed my exams (only).

If only I had worked hard in school.

• My parents drove to Florida. The trip was terrible (wish).

My parents wish they hadn´t driven to Florida.

                                       

Video related to the topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WR1tu3zMJs