Wish Exercises (With Printable PDF)

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Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.

Have you ever wished for the impossible? What a beautiful thing it is to wish for something. It fills us with hopes and perspectives for the future. But how do we express this desire correctly in English? Let’s find out!

When to Use “Wish”

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The verb “wish” can be used in several ways in English grammar. It’s used to express a desire or hope for something, as in the following sentence: “I wish I could go to the beach.”

In this case, the speaker expresses a desire to go to the beach but is aware that it is not currently possible.

“Wish” can also express regret, as in the sentence: “I wish I hadn’t eaten so much cake.” Here, the speaker regrets their decision to eat cake and suggests that they’d have been better off if they had not eaten it.

Additionally, “wish” can express hope that something will happen in the future, as in the sentence: “I wish you a happy birthday.” In this case, the speaker expresses their hope that the person will have a happy birthday.

So, there are many ways to use “wish” in English grammar. Experiment with using it in different ways to see what effect it has on your writing.

In English, we often use the words “wish” and “if only” to express our desires or regrets. However, these two terms are different, and it is important to choose the right word to convey the desired meaning. “Wish” is typically used when expressing a desire for something impossible.

For example, you might say, “I wish I could travel back in time.” On the other hand, “if only” is typically used when expressing regret for something that has already happened. For example, you might say, “If only I had known her true intentions.”

While both phrases can express similar sentiments, choosing the right one to communicate your message is important.

Wish Exercise #1

Wish Exercise #1

Rewrite the following sentences using “wish” and the past simple.
Example: Sarah can’t ski. | I don’t have a laptop.
Answer: Sarah wishes she could ski. | I wish I had a laptop.

Start Over

Wish Exercise #2

Wish Exercise #2

Choose the correct answer to fill the provided spaces in the sentences below.

Theo wishes ________ for tomorrow’s test.
She wishes her grammar _____ better.
I wish my best friend ___________ to me.
I wish ________ what to say to make you feel better.
Emma wishes __________ for that contest.
My little brother wishes __________ to Disneyland.
Do you ever wish you __________ more time with your family?
I wish _________ how to play the piano.
Warner wishes _________ a new car.
Nathan wished his brother __________ so greedy.
Start Over