WISHES

If we express a wish it it, generally speaking, to show that we are not satisfied with circumstances, we regret past actions or we hope for changes in the future. There are three constructions with the verb to wish which are normally used to express our wishes, regrets and hopes. 1. Wish + simple past

Is used to express that one regrets present circumstances e.g. They are at work, but they prefer to be on holiday. They wish they were on holiday. (now) - He is sorry he doesnt know how to swim. He wishes he knew how to swim. N.B. I / he / she / it were, rather than was, after to wish. Quick practice exercise Example : I havent got a car. a car. 1- I dont have any money. I wish I wish I had

2- He cant dance. He wishes. 3- She isnt old enough. She wishes 4- He has to work everyday. He wishes 5- She must stay at home. She wishes..

2. Wish + would (base form) or were v-ing

Is used to show that one hopes somebody elses behaviour or situation will change immediately or at some future date. Example : - My pupils are always chewing gum and Id like them to stop. I wish they wouldnt chew gum all the time -He isnt coming tonight She wishes he were coming tonight Quick practice exercise. 1- His friends wont help him. He wishes 2- Our friends arent staying with us next holiday.

We wish . 3- My children wont stop quarrelling. I wish 4- It hasnt rained for a long time and we need rain badly. We wish .. 5- Shed like her husband to arrive home earlier. She wishes .

3. Wish + past perfect

Is used to show that one is sorry about past actions and circumstances e.g. : - He ate a lot of cakes at tea-time and now he feels ill He wishes he hadnt eaten so many cakes at teatime.

- We couldnt play tennis yesterday because, unfortunately, it rained We wish it hadnt rained yesterday. Quick practice Example : She is sorry she didnt go to the meeting last week. She wishes she had gone to the meeting last week. 1- I didnt see my friends. I wish . 2- She didnt get the job. She wishes . 3- He spent all his money. He wishes 4- They took the wrong road. They wish 5- She made fun of me.

I wish . Here are more exercises to practice wish A/ Give the correct form of the verbs in brackets. 1- Im alone. I wish somebody (to come) to see me. 2- She is a nurse, but she wishes she (to be) a doctor. 3- I have to wear glasses. I wish I (can)see without them. 4- He is busy. They wish he (to fly).to New York with them next week. 5- We didnt know he was ill. We wish somebody (to tell) us.

B/Make a sentence using wish which means the same as the one given. 1- Im sorry I didnt see the film on television last week. I wish .. 2- Theyre sorry they cant have a holiday this year. They wish 3- He regrets having made mistakes.

He wishes . 4- Id like the children to work harder in future. I wish .. 5-He was sorry he wasnt able to help us. He wished 6-Shed like her husband to stop smoking. She wishes . 7-I was sorry I couldnt accept their invitation. I wished ..