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    Learn English > English lessons and exercises > English test #129169: Expressing wishes
    > Other English exercises on the same topics: Conditional and hypothesis | Idioms | Suggesting [Change theme]
    > Similar tests: - Conditional - I wish, if only - Conditional clauses - Hypothetical sentences: tenses - Making suggestions - Third conditional - Conditional Sentences - If or whether
    > Double-click on words you don't understand


    Expressing wishes


    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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