Similar
to conditional sentences are those that use "wish" to express
something isn't true now, or it wasn't true in the past. To make
sentences with "wish" properly, a knowledge of the Sequence
of Tenses is
important.
I wish I had more money.
(This
describes a present situation. In fact, I don't have more money.)
She wishes he would talk to her
more often.
(This also describe a present situation.
Notice that the modal verb "would" is used here. "Would" and
"could" are frequently used in these kinds of sentences.)
They wish they hadn't bought that
house.
(This describes a past situation
that can't be changed. They regret their decision, but you can't
change the past. Notice the use of the past perfect after "wish.")
Here are some more examples:
Yesterday
Tom moved his chair and hurt his back. Now he wishes he hadn't
done that.
(The verb "do" is especially useful.
You can use it for just about any kind of mistake you made in
the past.)
Tony
wishes he had a job as a radio announcer.
(The verb "have" is often used after
"wish." In this situation, he doesn't have this job, but you use
the past tense of have: had.
"I wish
I knew the answer."
(You don't know the answer, but
you wish you did. Again, the past tense is used to describe a
present situation.)
This video shows the difference between "wish" and "hope"
In the next lesson, you will learn how to use "so" and "too."