WISHES IN THE PRESENT

Present wishes indicate something that is "contrary to fact." That

is, wishes are something that is untrue but desired. For example,

I wish that I had a sports car. (The truth is I don't have a sports car.)

I wish that I were a doctor. (I'm really not a doctor.)

For present wishes, the past tense is used in the that clause,
because it indicates a situation that is only imagined. Sometimes
the word that is omitted.
To express possibility (can) and future intention (will), use the

She wishes (that) she had a diamond ring.

He wishes (that) he were rich.

modals could and would respectively.

She wishes that she could sing.

They wish that she would stop.

When a "be" verb is required, the word were is used, regardless of

the subject.

We wish you were here.

I wish (that) I were taller.

EXERCISE
Complete the following sentences making a wish in the present

1. I don't know where my wallet is. I wish I _________ where my wallet was.
2. Michael is in the park playing with the older boys. I wish Michael _________ with them.
3. Things are not good in the country. I hope everything ___________ better.
4. I am tired of hearing your screaming. It is time you ___________ screaming in my ear!
5. I can't go to the pool with my friends because I can't swim. Oh, I wish I ____________ .
6. Veronica doesn't like calling boys. I really wish she ___________ me. I want to go out
with her.
7. David and Christian are at the cinema right now. I hope they ___________ themselves.
8. You are a great guy Jimmy, but I don't love you. I wish I _______________ you.
9. This party is so boring and Gina is not coming. It is time I _________ . I'm tired of being
here.
10. Tommy is a great piano player. I wish I _______________ the piano just like him.

11. I wish we ____________ (not have) a test today.

12. I wish these exercises ____________ (not be) so difficult.
13. I wish we ____________ (live) near the beach.
14. Do you ever wish you ______________ (can travel) more?
15. I wish I__________ (be) better at maths.
16. I wish we _______________not have to) wear a school uniform.
17. Sometimes I wish I _____________ (can fly).
18. I wish we ______________(can go) to Disney World.