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Expressing wishes - English lesson

You mustn't hesitate to express your WISHES! Indeed, as the proverb has it:

"He who asks for nothing, has nothing!"

Go for your wishes, then, remaining

sensible... and mostly keeping in mind that:

"You don't always get what you want"!

There are many ways to express WISHES in English:

1) If only+ modal preterite [or 'subjunctive']: (this "preterite" isn't a real past, but

it expresses an unreal action, an action which has no existence.)

- If only I was/ were a little older.

( In formal English, 'were' is used all along)

2) I'd rather + base form verb: (when the sentence has one subject).

- He'd rather stay here with us.

* If the sentence has two subjects: I'd rather+ subject 2+ modal preterite.

- He'd rather you stayed with him.

3) It's time+ Subject+ modal preterite:

- It's time you told the truth.

The infinitive clause may also be used.

- It's time for you to find the solution.

4) I wish +modal preterite: indicates what isn't realised.

- I wish he was/ were here for us.

'WISH' may also be followed by modal auxiliaries: WOULD (willpower, acceptation)

and COULD ( capacity, possibility )

- I wish he would come here.

- I wish I could help you.

As for me, I wish you realised all your wishes!

... but first of all, I wish you an excellent test!

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1. If only [you/ be sensible/ I/ to worry/ not] about you so much.=>

2. I'd rather [to tell her] the truth before she leaves for good.=>

3. => It's time [you/ to understand] that the game is over.=>

4. I wish [you/accept/would] my offer. =>

5. I wish [he/not/to be] so harsh when working with you.=>

6. I'd rather [you/to tell/not] her about our plans. =>

7. It's time for [you/infinitive clause/take] responsibility for what you did.=>

8. I wish [he/ to help] me for the housework on a regular basis.=>

9. He'd rather [I/ to drive/not] his car when he's not with me. =>

10. If only [my sister/ to be] here to cheer me up.=>

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