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Exercises
The following sentences express wishes about present situations. Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verbs.
I wish I (know) how to sing. Maybe I’ll take lessons one day.Imagining the present as different: wish + simple past|irregular verb: know-knew-known
The fireworks are so beautiful! If only Stella (be) here, they’re her favourite.Imagining the present as different: wish + simple past|irregular verb: be-was/were-been |We can use were and was after if in the 3rd person singular
Chris is tired of the city, sometimes he wishes that he (live) in the countryside.Imagining the present as different: wish + simple past
I like that restaurant, but I wish they (have) more vegetarian options.Imagining the present as different: wish + simple past|irregular verb: have-had-had
I feel so useless, I wish I (can) help you somehow.Imagining the present as different: wish + simple past|irregular verb: can-could
The following sentences express wishes about past situations. Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verb in brackets.
I miss my grandad a lot. If only I (spend) more time with him while he was alive.Reimagining the past: wish + past perfect|irregular verb: spend-spent-spent
Sarah wishes she (take) the job in Madrid last year.Reimagining the past: wish + past perfect|irregular verb: take-took-taken
I can’t believe you saw dolphins at the beach this morning! I wish I (be) there!Reimagining the past: wish + past perfect|irregular verb: be-was/were-been
Gavin didn’t enjoy his degree at all. He wishes that he (do) a different course.Reimagining the past: wish + past perfect|irregular verb: do-did-done
If only we (listen) to your advice. The event would have been much better.Reimagining the past: wish + past perfect
Online exercises to improve your English
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Wish/if only – Free Exercise
Wish/if only – mixed exercise
Wish/if only – Lingolia Plus Exercises
Wish/if only – present situations (1)
B1
Wish/if only – present situations (2)
B1
Wish/if only – past situations (1)
B2
Wish/if only – past situations (2)
B2
Wish/if only – multiple choice (1)
B2
Wish/if only – multiple choice (2)
B2
Wish/if only – wishes and regrets
B2
Wish/if only – expressing annoyance
B2
A1 Beginner
A2 Elementary
B1 Intermediate
B2 Upper intermediate
C1 Advanced