Wish and if only practice

Learn about using conditional structures with wish and if only.

I wish I lived in a castle (wish/if only structures).

Practice 1: using wish and if only in the present and past

Think carefully - are these sentences talking about the present (wish + past simple) or the past (wish + past perfect)?

  1. I'm so tired. I wish I to bed earlier. (go)
  2. I feel sick. I wish I all those chocolates. (not eat)
  3. My boyfriend's still at the office. I wish he such long hours. (work)
  4. I'm really busy. If only I more time. (have)
  5. I can't speak any languages. I wish I German. (speak)
  6. My hair looks terrible! If only I it red. (not dye)
  7. Oh no - it's raining. I wish I my umbrella. (remember)
  8. Kids love Christmas. I wish I still in Father Christmas. (believe)

Practice 2: using would, past simple or past perfect?

Rewrite these sentences with 2-5 words, using wish or if only and the word given in brackets.


  1. She's always noisy. I really don't like it. (MAKE)
    I so much noise.
  2. I want my boss to give me a pay rise. (WISH)
    I me a pay rise.
  3. I hate travelling so far to my office. (LIVED)
    If nearer my office.
  4. I feel bad because I kissed my best friend's girlfriend last night.(WISH)
    I my best friend's girlfriend.
  5. You are always borrowing my clothes without permission. Please stop it! (YOU)
    I my clothes without asking.
  6. My parents never let me go to any parties. It's so annoying! (LET)
    If me go to parties.