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Grammar Lessons

Wishes & the Subjunctive

Regrets, Dreams & What We'd Change

These structures let you express what you want to be different — in the present, the past, or someone else's behaviour. They're the grammar of longing, regret, and the paths not taken.

Advanced · C1 Lesson ready

Grammar Focus

Wishing about the present, the past, and someone else.

Wish & If only

present wish/if only + past simple — "I wish I could let go of this more easily."
past wish/if only + past perfect — "If only I hadn't settled for less."
someone wish + subject + would + base verb — "I wish people would move on instead of holding grudges."

It's time & Would rather

It's (high) time

For things that should have happened already — a mild criticism.

"It's time I stopped holding on to things I can't change."

Would rather

For preferences — what you prefer to happen (or not happen).

"I'd rather she didn't give in so easily — I think she's capable of more."

Vocabulary in Context

Six phrasal verbs for desires, regrets, and emotional processing. Each example uses wish, if only, or it's time.

01

let go of

Meaning

To stop holding on to something emotionally — a grudge, a regret, an attachment.

Example

"I wish I could let go of the need to be right all the time — I know it damages relationships."

Conversation questions

  • Is there something you wish you could let go of but find it hard to release?
  • What helps you let go of negative experiences or disappointments?
02

hold on to

Meaning

To keep something — a memory, a belief, a value — and not let it go.

Example

"I wish I had held on to that relationship — I let go too quickly."

Conversation questions

  • What is something from your past that you're glad you held on to?
  • Is there something you hold on to that other people might think you should release?
03

dream of

Meaning

To imagine or long for something you deeply want — often something not yet achieved.

Example

"I wish I had pursued the life I used to dream of before practicality got in the way."

Conversation questions

  • What did you dream of as a child — and how do you feel about it now?
  • Is there something you still dream of doing that you haven't found the courage for yet?
04

settle for

Meaning

To accept something that is less than what you actually wanted.

Example

"If only I hadn't settled for less — I think I knew at the time it wasn't right."

Conversation questions

  • Is there an area of your life where you feel you've settled for less than you deserve?
  • Do you think settling for something good enough is wise, or does it lead to regret?
05

give in

Meaning

To stop resisting — to accept defeat, temptation, or pressure.

Example

"I wish I hadn't given in so quickly — I should have fought harder for what I believed."

Conversation questions

  • Is there a time you gave in when you wish you hadn't? What made you stop resisting?
  • Do you tend to give in under pressure, or do you dig in and hold your ground?
06

move on

Meaning

To stop dwelling on the past and continue forward with your life.

Example

"I wish I could move on from certain things more easily — I tend to revisit the same regrets."

Conversation questions

  • Is there something you're struggling to move on from at the moment?
  • What does "moving on" actually mean to you — forgetting, forgiving, or something else?

Conversation Practice

Questions grouped by theme. Use I wish, if only, it's time I, I'd rather in your answers. Let yourself be honest.

About Your Past

  • If only you could change one thing about your past — what would it be, and why?
  • Is there something you wish you had held on to — a relationship, a habit, an opportunity?
  • Do you ever wish you had dreamed bigger earlier in life? What held you back?

About Your Life Now

  • Is there something in your current life that you wish were different?
  • What do you wish you could let go of? What would life feel like without it?
  • Is there something where you think: it's high time I made a change?

About the World

  • I wish people would… — finish this sentence and explain.
  • If only governments hadn't… — what decision from the past do you most wish had been different?
  • What change in the world would you most like to see — something you wish someone would make happen?