All types of Wish-clause - theory

Wish

No
Type
Usage
Examples

1
Wish + st/sb + Vinf
Mean “want” or “would like to do st” but more formal, more insistent and stronger.
I wish to see the manager.
I wish to leave now. I do not wish my name to appear on the list.

2

Wish + Past simple





Wish + Past progressive

To express that we want a situation in the present (or future) to be different.


To express that we want to be doing a different action in the present (or future).



I wish I spoke Italian. (I don`t speak Italian) Future: I wish it was the weekend tomorrow. (It`s only Thursday tomorrow)
I wish I was lying on a beach now. (I`m sitting in the office) Future: I wish you weren`t leaving tomorrow. (You are leaving tomorrow)

3
Wish + Past perfect

To express a regret, or that we want a situation in the past to be different.

I wish I hadn`t eaten so much. (I ate a lot) I wish they`d come on holiday with us. (They didn`t come on holiday with us)

4
Wish + would/could + Vbare-inf
- To express impatience, annoyance or dissatisfaction with a present action. - If the subject of the verb wish and the verb after it are the same, we use could.
- As the two subjects are different, we use would. It is possible to use could when talking about someone not having the opportunity or ability: I wish he could come with us.

I wish you would stop smoking. (You are smoking at the moment and it is annoying me) I wish it would stop raining. (I`m impatient because it is raining and I want to go outside)
I wish he wouldn`t play his music so late at night.



* Note:
WISH = IF ONLY
To simply express that you want something to happen in the future (not talking about wanting an action or situation to be different, and not talking about impatience or annoyance) we use hope, not wish. I hope it`s sunny tomorrow. I wish it was sunny tomorrow. x I hope she passes her exam next week.
3. We can use (I) wish you in fixed expressions. I wish you a happy birthday. We wish you good luck in your new job.