39 Conditional Wish/If Only

A Conditional Sentence is usually composed by two parts: the “if-clause” (or conditional clause) that expresses the condition, and the Main Clause that expresses the consequence of that condition. We have different structures for conditionals. {see Zero Conditional, First Conditional A2 level/Second Conditional, Third Conditional B1 Level}

If only and Wish are used to show our regrets or wishes in the past and the present. It also shows wishes about future.

We use “If only“ and “Wish” when we would like things to be different. It has a relation with Conditional Sentences. That is why we use them together. We express our wishes and regrets with this structure.

• Past Wishes/Regrets: If Only/Wish + Past Perfect Subjunctive;
• Present Wishes/Regrets: If Only/Wish + Past Subjunctive;
• Future Wishes/Regrets: If Only/Wish + Would.

• I wish you would have a serious character.
• If only he had had some responsibility and punctuality.
• I wish Laura could recover her strength again.

The usage of these Conditionals differs:

• Past Wishes/Regrets: It is used to show our regrets and wishes in the past;
• Present Wishes/Regrets: It is used to show our regrets and wishes in the present;
• Future Wishes/Regrets: This modal is used to show our wishes that may occur in the future.