Wish + verb forms in the that-clause

 

The verb forms we use in that-clauses after wish are similar to the verb forms in conditional clauses after if. We use a past verb form for present and future meanings.

Compare

if	wish
It would be good if we had a bigger car.	I wish we had a bigger car.
It would be good if I knew how to use this DVD player.	I wish I knew how to use this DVD player.

When we wish something about the past, we use the past perfect after wish:

I wish I had known Charlie was coming. I would have invited Jane. (I didn’t know it and did not invite Jane.)

I wish I hadn’t said that. I can see I’ve upset you. Sorry. (I did say it; it would have been better if I had not said it.)

Wish + would

We can use wish + would if we are annoyed about something that is or is not happening, or about something that will or will not happen:

I wish you’d stop making so much noise! (You are making a noise; it would be better if you didn’t.)

I wish you wouldn’t come through the kitchen with your dirty boots on. (You do come through the kitchen; it would be better if you didn’t.)

In informal situations, we can use wish in the continuous form like this:

He’s embarrassing everyone. I’m just wishing he would go away!

Make up 3 sentences with 'wish' and post them in the commentary section below.