ESCUELA SUPERIOR POLITÉCNICA DE CHIMBORAZO

CENTRO DE IDIOMAS

Course: English 3ª “A”

Date: 23/12/2019

Ways to use wish

The word desire has several uses, all of them related to the
expression of desires of different types.
Structure:
Suj + Wish + suj + SI
S.R S.I Past. Simple Past. Perf Past. Perf Past.
Perf- To be Pas Pas. Perf
S.R SI Pre. Simple Past. Simple. Pre. Perf Pas. Perf
-To be Pre Were
S.R SI Futuro/sugerencia Would / could (I-we)
1. Wish with simple past

When we imagine something unlikely or impossible, but we would like

it to be true, we use this structure. It is the most common use of
"wish," and is interchangeable with "if only."
Example:

 I wish I had a bigger car

 I wish you didn’t have to work tomorrow.
You can also combine this structure with "could":
Example:

 I wish I could fix the computer.

 I wish I could play the violin like that.
For more plausible things, "wish" is not usually used, but "hope":
Example:

 I hope you have a wonderful time.

 I hope you pass your exam.
Talk about things that have not come true in the present (and we
would like them to be)

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 Example:

 I wish I were on holiday right now - I'm so stressed!

The rules of formation are very easy, it is I wish (or If only) + the past
form of the verb.

2. Wish with would

This use looks a bit like the previous one, but it is not the same. We
use this structure to express that something, usually other people's
behavior, bothers us and we would like it to change. It can also be
used over time:
Example:

 I wish you would listen to me.

 I wish you would smoke a bit less.
 I wish he wouldn't shout so much
 I wish it wouldn't rain so often.
3. Wish whit past perfect

To express regret or the wish that something had happened

differently, we used past wishes. They look a lot like the third
conditional.
There are two variants:
Talk about things we did in the past (and that now don't seem like
such a good idea).

 I wish I hadn't gone to the beach instead of studying.

Talk about things we didn't do in the past and wish we had done.

 I wish I had studied harder for my Advanced exam.

To form this wish clause, you must use I wish (or if only) + had or
hadn’t + the past participle.

4. Wish with infinitive

This use is very formal, so you are not likely to use it. It is equivalent
to would like, but it is rare to find it outside formal contexts or ancient
language.
Example:

 I wish to leave now.

 I wish to speak to Gandalf.
 He only wishes to assist your highness.
 I wish to postpone the meeting with Mr Richardson.
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In this use, it can also be combined with a direct complement to
indicate that we want or don't want someone to do something. Again,
very formal:
Example:

 She wishes those people to remain silent.

 We do not wish anyone else to be hurt.
 They wish the duke to attend the ceremony tomorrow.

5. Wish good things

Wish is widely used in phrases made to convey good wishes, usually
associated with a specific celebration or event:
Example:

 We wish you a merry Christmas!

 I wish you a very happy birthday.
 We wish you the best of luck in your trip.
 They would like to wish you a pleasant holiday.

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