English lesson

wish - if

WISH

         1) To express a regret about the present, we use wish + the past simple :
              - I don't play the piano       → I wish I played the piano.

2) To express a regret about the past, we use wish + the past perfect :
- Julie lost her umbrella yesterday → Julie wishes she hadn't lost her umbrella.

3) To express a desire to change something, we use wish + the conditional (would) :
- The neighbours are making noise → I wish they would stop making noise.

        1) After if, we often use were instead of was, especially in a formal style
               where it is considered more correct.

               - If I were rich, I would travel all over the world.
             - If he were a better manager, the company would be more successful.

2) We use the structure "if I were you ..." to give advice.

- If I were you I would take English lessons.