Syntax

Wish

Use wish + past:

-to refer to the present.

• I wish I had a big car.

-to refer to the future with a hypothetical meaning.

• I wish I could go to the party.
• I wish they weren't busy next weekend.

Use wish + past perfect to refer to regrets about the past.

• I wish I hadn't gone to the party.

Use wish + would + infinitive without to to refer to something you want to change (but can't).

• I wish it would stop raining. (but it won't)
• I wish he would wait for me. (but he won't)