I wish and If only

I failed the test, I wish I

• wasn't studying.

• was with my friends.

• had studied more.

• was on vacation.

Answer explanation

She is regreting something that she didn't do in the past. In this case she didn't study enough.

Structure: I wish+past perfect tense.

I wanted to be an architect when I was young.

(I wish)

(Use the verb in the picture)

(a)  

Answer explanation

The person wanted to do something in the past and it is regretting that it didn't do it.

Structure: I wish+past perfect tense.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.2C

CCSS.L.4.2B

CCSS.L.6.3A

I wish I

• hadn't yelled at my father.

• ate my food.

• wasn't sick.

• was in the park.

Answer explanation

The kid regrets something he did in the past. In this case he yelled at his dad and now his grounded.

Structure: I wish+past perfect tense.

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.8.1C

CCSS.L.8.3A

I don't have a car.

(I wish)

(Use the verb in the picture)

(a)  

Answer explanation

The person wishes to have something in the present.

Structure: I wish+simple past tense.

I wish I ....... new shoes.

• have

• had

• to have

• want

Answer explanation

The person wants something to be different in the present. In this case it wants new shoes.

Structure: I wish+simple past tense.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

I can't play the piano.

(I wish)

(Use the verb in the picture)

(a)  

Answer explanation

The person wants to do something in the present.

Structure: I wish+simple past tense.

If only I......a bartender.

• had work

• work

• am

• was

Answer explanation

He wants the situation to be different in the present.

Structure: If only+simple past.

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.8.1C

CCSS.L.8.3A

He is too small to play basketball.

(If only)

(Use the verb in the picture)

(a)  

Answer explanation

Things would be different in the present if he was taller.

Structure: If only+simple past.

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.8.1C

CCSS.L.8.3A

If only I ....... soccer with my friends.

• play

• was

• were not

• played

Answer explanation

He wants something to be different now or in the future.

Structure: If only+simple past.

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.8.1C

CCSS.L.8.3A

I didn’t go to high school, I’m bored.

(If only)

(Use the verb in the picture)

(a)  

Answer explanation

The student is regreting not doing something, but they can't change it.

Structure: If only+past perfect tense.

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.8.1C

CCSS.L.8.3A