Key to Wishes and regrets

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb.

1. Tom’s mother wished he were (be) tidier around the house.

2. Gary wished you hadn’t told (not tell) everyone where he lived.

3. I wish it hadn’t rained (not rain) so much when we were in England.

4. Jenny wished she were (be) prettier.

5. Mike wishes he could (can) swim as well as Tom.

6. Do you wish we had spent (spend) more time at Madame Tussaud’s when we were in London?

7. I wish we didn’t have (not have) exams tomorrow.

8. Tom and Mary wish they could (can) buy a new car.

9. I wish I had bought (buy) that sweater I saw last week; now it is been sold.

10. Tom now wishes he had worked (work) harder when he was at school.

11. Mike wishes he had gone (go) to see his grandfather while he was in hospital.

12. I wish my children wouldn’t/ didn’t spend (not spend) so much money!

13. I wish I had won (win) the first prize instead of John.

14. If only he had had (have) a dog when he was a child.

15. His parents wish he would read/ read (read) more and wouldn’t/ didn’t watch (not watch) so much television.

16. Mary wishes she had bought (buy) that necklace she saw, but it was much too expensive.

Here are some situations make suitable wish sentences for each one.

  • Tommy would love to have a baby sister.

Tommy wishes he had a baby sister.

  • Bill is not looking forward to going to the dentist tomorrow.

Bill wishes he didn’t have to go to the dentist tomorrow

  • I am really sorry I can’t come with to the theatre tonight.

I wish I could go to the theatre tonight

  • The neighbour was upset about the loud noise Bob was making.

The neighbour wishes Bob wouldn’t make/ didn’t make so much noise…

  • Jill is upset that he quarrelled with his girl-friend.

Jill wishes he hadn’t quarrelled with his girlfriend …

  • What a pity Jean missed the film last night.

Jean wishes she hadn’t missed the film last night

  • I don’t really want to go to the dentist.

I wish I didn’t have to go to the dentist

  • John is too short to be a basketball player.

John wishes he weren’t so short to be a …

  • The Smiths regret cancelling their holiday in Turkey.

The Smiths wish they hadn’t cancelled their holiday in Turkey

  • Dad really wants you to stop smoking.

Dad wishes you would stop smoking/ you would stop smoking

  • What a shame you missed the school trip.

I wish I hadn’t missed the school trip

  • I hope it snows at the weekend.

I wish it snowed at the weekend.