wish と if only

• 4 wish と if only

  4.1

  wish + past simple (Regret about the present)

  

  English

  

  wish expresses a desire or regret. For dissatisfaction with the present, use past simple (subjunctive) after wish.

  Structure: wish + 一般过去时

  我I 但愿wish 我I 有had 更多more 时间time.

  I wish I had more time. (But I don't)

  她She 但愿wishes 她she 住lived 在by （冠词）the 海边sea.

  She wishes she lived by the sea. (But she doesn't)

  Note: Like the second conditional, the verb be is commonly were: I wish I were taller.

  4.2

  wish + past perfect / would

  English

  Two advanced usages:

  • Regret about the past: wish + 过去完成时 (should have… but didn't).
  • Dissatisfaction with others' behavior / desire for change: wish + 主语 + would.

  我I 但愿wish 我I （过去完成）had 学习studied 更努力harder.

  I wish I had studied harder. (Regret about the past)

  我I 但愿wish 你you 会would 听listen.

  I wish you could listen. (Dissatisfaction with others' behavior)

  Note: if only functions like wish but with stronger emphasis: If only I had known!

  Common Errors

  • ❌ ~~I wish I have more time.~~ → ✓ I wish I had more time. — Tense must "step back" after wish.
  • ❌ ~~I wish I studied harder last year.~~ → ✓ I wish I had studied harder last year. — Regrets about the past require past perfect.
  • ❌ ~~I wish I would be taller.~~ → ✓ I wish I were taller. — wish + would applies only to dissatisfaction with others' behavior, never oneself.
  • ❌ ~~I wish you will pass the exam.~~ → ✓ I hope you pass the exam. — Wishes for real possibilities use hope; wish + clause expresses "unreality" (except fixed phrases like I wish you good luck).

すべてのトピック · 英語文法 · B2