Grammar, compared
Wish vs if only
Wish and if only both express regret or a desire for something different. If only is stronger and more emotional.
Book a trial classThe short answer
| Wish | If only |
|---|---|
| I wish I had more time. (present regret) | If only I had more time! (same idea, stronger feeling) |
| I wish I had studied harder. (past regret) | If only I had studied harder! (stronger regret) |
| I wish you would stop interrupting. (annoyance about a habit) | If only he would listen! (frustration about a habit) |
How each one works
| Point | Wish | If only |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Neutral, a simple regret or desire | Stronger, more emotional |
| Present regret | wish + past simple: I wish I knew the answer. | if only + past simple: If only I knew the answer! |
| Past regret | wish + past perfect: I wish I had called her. | if only + past perfect: If only I had called her! |
| Annoying habit | wish + would: I wish he would be quiet. | if only + would: If only he would be quiet! |
Watch out if you speak Spanish
- Ojala covers both wish and if only in Spanish, so the choice between them is about intensity, not grammar.
- Don't use wish plus will. Say I wish I knew, not I wish I will know.
- Wish plus would is for criticizing a habit or a situation you want to change, usually about someone else, not yourself: I wish you would call more often.
- If only often stands alone as an exclamation, with no result clause: If only I had known!
Practice
Grammar practice
Choose or type the answer for each sentence, then check.
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Questions
- What's the difference in strength between wish and if only?
- They use the same grammar, but if only sounds more emotional, often as an exclamation: If only I had known!
- Can I use wish for the future?
- Use wish plus would for a change you want in someone else's behavior: I wish you would call more. For your own future plans, use hope instead: I hope I pass the exam.
Keep going
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