Form: subject + wish + (that) + noun + past simple / past progressive

 I wish (that) I had more money now. (this describes a desire the present)
 She wishes (that) she were taller.
 He wishes (that) he didn’t have to work today.
 They wish (that) they could come.
 I wish (that) it wasn’t raining.

The verb wish used this way is the same as the present unreal conditional (second
conditional). All of these sentences describe and unreal/imaginary situation that someone wants.

The verb wish used this way is the same as the present unreal conditional (second
conditional). All of these sentences describe and unreal/imaginary situation that someone wants.

 John doesn’t have a car. He’s sad. = He wishes he had a car.

 I don’t have enough time :( = I wish I had more time.
 Her leg is broken. She’s sad. = She wishes her leg weren’t broken.

Even though the grammar is in the past tense (I wish I had more money), the meaning is in
the present. Any wish can also be expressed in the second (present unreal) conditional.

 John wishes he had a car. = If John had a car, he would be happy.

 I wish I had more time. = If I had more time, I would be happy.
 She wishes her leg weren’t broken. = If her leg were not broken, she would be happy.

Even though the grammar is in the past tense (I wish I had more money), the meaning is in
the present. Any wish can also be expressed in the second (present unreal) conditional.

 John wishes he had a car. = If John had a car, he would be happy.

 I wish I had more time. = If I had more time, I would be happy.
 She wishes her leg weren’t broken. = If her leg were not broken, she would be happy.

Grammar note: Just like in the second conditional, we don’t use was. Instead of saying, “I wish I
was taller,” it is more correct (grammatically) to say “I wish I were taller.” These sentences, in the
second conditional, would be “If I were taller, I would be happy.” The idea is the same. We generally
don’t use was.

Remember, when we use wish, we always want for the opposite of the real situation now. Because
of this, the verb changes from positive to negative, or negative to positive. Let me show you.

My dog is sick. :(

1. The verb = is
2. Verb in the past = was were
3. Change to negative = weren’t
4. The whole sentence = I wish my dog weren’t sick.

I can’t swim. :(

1. The verb = can’t swim

2. Verb in past = couldn’t swim
3. Change to positive = could swim
4. The whole sentence = I wish I could swim.

I’m gaining weight. :(

1. The verb = am gaining (present progressive)

2. Verb in past = was were gaining (past progressive)
3. Change to negative = weren’t gaining
4. The whole sentence = I wish I weren’t gaining weight.

It’s not that hard, is it? Let’s try some exercises.