Using "wish" for hypothetical and improbable situations

The verb "wish" is used to express regret or a desire for something to be different from reality. It often refers to hypothetical or improbable situations in the present or past.

When using "wish" for present situations, we use the past simple or past continuous to show contrast with reality. For past situations, we use the past perfect to express regret about something that already happened.

Hypothetical Situations in the Present

We use "wish" + past simple or past continuous to express a desire for the present to be different.

I wish I had more free time.

(In reality, I don't have much free time, but I would like to have more.)

She wishes she were taller.

(She is not tall, but she would like to be.)

They wish they weren't working today.

(They have to work, but they would prefer not to.)

Improbable Situations in the Present

We also use "wish" + past simple when talking about situations that are unlikely or impossible in the present.

He wishes he didn't have to wake up early.

(He has to wake up early, but he would rather not.)

I wish I could drive.

(I can't drive, but I want to.)

She wishes she knew how to cook.

(She doesn't know how, but she would like to.)

Hypothetical Situations in the Past

For past situations, we use "wish" + past perfect to express regret about something that already happened.

I wish I had studied harder for the test.

(I didn't study enough, but now I regret it.)

She wishes she hadn't spent so much money.

(She spent too much, and now she regrets it.)

We wish we had booked the hotel earlier.

(We didn't book it in time, and now we regret it.)

Improbable Situations in the Past

We also use "wish" + past perfect for things we cannot change now, however much we regret them.

He wishes it hadn't rained on his wedding day.

(It did rain, but he wishes it hadn't.)

I wish I hadn't missed the train.

(I missed it, and now I regret it.)

They wish they had prepared better for the meeting.

(They didn't prepare well, and they regret it.)

Using "wish" in these ways helps to express regrets and desires for different realities. The past simple or past continuous is used for present wishes, while the past perfect is used for past regrets.