Sample Response
Talking About
Wishes
Express your dreams, share your regrets, and politely complain about everyday annoyances like a native speaker.
I wish I had more free time.
I wish I hadn’t said that.
I wish it would stop raining.
Warm-up Questions
If you could change one thing about your daily routine, what would it be?
Think about yesterday. Is there anything you wish you had done differently?
What is a small habit other people do that really annoys you?
The 3 Rules of Wishing
In English, the grammar changes based on what you are wishing for. Here is how it works:
1. Desiring Right Now
Wish + Past Simple
Use this when you want your present situation to be different.
- • “I wish I had more money.”
- • “I wish I lived closer to the beach.”
2. Past Regrets
Wish + Past Perfect
Use this when you regret something that already happened.
- • “I wish I had studied harder in school.”
- • “I wish we hadn’t eaten so much.”
3. Annoyances
Wish + Would
Use this when you are annoyed and want someone’s behavior to change.
- • “I wish you would stop tapping your pen.”
- • “I wish the train would arrive.”
The “Hope vs. Wish” Trap
Many students confuse these two. Tap the cards to see the natural corrections.
I wish it rains tomorrow.
I hope it rains tomorrow.
Use “hope” for possible future events.
I hope I had a million dollars.
I wish I had a million dollars.
Use “wish” for imaginary or impossible things.
I wish you will come to my party.
I hope you can come to my party.
Again, it’s a realistic future possibility, so use “hope”.
Listening: Real Wishes & Regrets
Arthur, 74
Past Regret
Marcus, 45
Annoyance
Elena, 28
Present Desire
Make A Wish Practice
Let’s Chat
If you could live anywhere in the world right now, where would you wish to be?
Is there anything you wish you had studied or learned when you were younger?
Think about your city. What is one thing you wish the government would change?
Do you think having regrets (wishing things had been different) is healthy or unhealthy?
If you won the lottery tomorrow, what is the first thing you would buy?
If a genie gave you 3 wishes, but you couldn’t wish for money, what would they be?
Ready for the Quiz
You’ve mastered the grammar of wishing, hoping, and regretting. Let’s test your knowledge!