Using “Wish” in English Grammar

The word “wish” is used to express a desire for something that is different from the present reality. We use it to talk about regrets, unreal situations, or hopes. Understanding how to use “wish” correctly can help you express your feelings and desires more accurately. Depending on the context, “wish” can be used with different verb tenses to convey various meanings.

Let’s explore the different structures and uses of “wish” along with clear examples.

1. Expressing a Wish for the Present

When you want to express a desire for the present to be different, use “wish” followed by the past simple form of the verb. This form is used for unreal situations or things that are not true in the present.

Structure:

• Wish + past simple

Examples:

• I wish I had a bigger house.
  (In reality, I don’t have a big house, but I want one.)
• He wishes he were taller.
  (He is not tall, but he wants to be taller.)
• She wishes she could speak Spanish.
  (She can’t speak Spanish, but she would like to.)

Note: After “wish,” we use “were” instead of “was” for all subjects (e.g., I wish I were, She wishes she were). This is a traditional rule, especially in formal English, but in informal contexts, “was” is also common.

2. Expressing a Wish for the Past

When expressing regret or a desire to change something that happened (or didn’t happen) in the past, use “wish” followed by the past perfect. This structure is used to show that we cannot change the past, and we are disappointed or unhappy about it.

Structure:

• Wish + past perfect

Examples:

• I wish I had studied harder in school.
  (I didn’t study hard in the past, and I regret it now.)
• She wishes she hadn’t said that to him.
  (She said something she regrets in the past.)
• They wish they had gone to the party.
  (They didn’t go to the party, but they now wish they had.)

Key Tip: Use the past perfect (had + past participle) after “wish” for past regrets.

3. Expressing a Wish for the Future

When you want to express a desire for something to happen (or not happen) in the future, but you don’t have control over it, use “wish” followed by “would”. This structure is often used to complain or show a desire for a change in someone’s behavior or an external situation.

Structure:

• Wish + would + base form of the verb

Examples:

• I wish it would stop raining.
  (I want the rain to stop, but I can’t control it.)
• She wishes he would call her.
  (She wants him to call, but it’s up to him.)
• They wish the neighbors wouldn’t be so noisy.
  (They want the neighbors to stop being noisy, but they can’t change their behavior.)

Key Tip: Use “would” for future wishes about situations you cannot change or for expressing annoyance.

4. “Wish” vs. “Hope”

“Wish” is often confused with “hope,” but the meanings are different. Use “hope” when talking about something possible that you want to happen in the future.

• I hope you have a great day.
  (This is possible, and I want it to happen.)
• I wish you had told me earlier.
  (This didn’t happen, and I regret it.)

5. Using “Wish” with Other Modal Verbs

“Wish” can also be used with could, might, and should depending on the meaning you want to convey.

1. Wish + Could
   Use “could” to express a desire for an ability or possibility to change.
   • I wish I could play the guitar.
     (I don’t have this ability now, but I would like to.)
2. Wish + Might
   Use “might” to express a hope for something that has a small possibility.
   • I wish it might snow this Christmas.
     (It’s possible, but not very likely.)
3. Wish + Should
   Use “should” to express regret or criticism for something that was expected but didn’t happen.
   • I wish he should have called me.
     (He didn’t call, and I am disappointed.)

6. Common Mistakes with “Wish”

1. Using the Wrong Tense:
   • Incorrect: I wish I was speaking English better.
   • Correct: I wish I spoke English better.
2. Mixing Up “Wish” and “Want”:
   • Incorrect: I wish a cup of coffee.
   • Correct: I want a cup of coffee.
     (“Wish” is not used to express immediate desires.)
3. Using “Wish” Instead of “Hope”:
   • Incorrect: I wish you get the job.
   • Correct: I hope you get the job.
     (“Hope” is used for realistic desires, while “wish” expresses something unlikely or impossible.)

7. Quick Reference Table