UNREAL PAST (WISHES) — EXERCISE 2 (ESL)

level: Advanced (C1/C2)

In this exercise you’ll practice turning real situations into hypothetical wishes using wish and if only. Pay close attention to which tense form is needed and whether a modal is required.

READY TO PRACTICE? LET’S GO!

Turn each "reality" into a "wish".
Example: My brothers are compassionate. → I wish my brothers were compassionate.

He will confirm by end of day tomorrow. → If only he by end of day tomorrow.

We get upset over things like this. → I wish we upset over things like this.

My parents can look after our cat. → If only my parents after our cat.

My cousins are worried about losing their jobs. → I wish my cousins worried about losing their jobs.

My sister speaks eloquently. → If only my sister eloquently.

We will get there by midnight. → I wish we there by midnight.

The cashier has a lot of change. → If only the cashier a lot of change.

This device makes things easier for us. → I wish this device things easier for us.

I can turn down their offer. → If only I their offer.

10.

Mary has told them the truth. → I wish Mary them the truth.

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KEEP PRACTICING — MORE EXERCISES FOR YOU:
More unreal past & conditional exercises:
Unreal past (wishes) 1 (C1/C2)
Unreal past (it’s time) 1 (C1/C2)
Second conditional 1 (B1/B2)
Second conditional 2 (B1/B2)
Third conditional 1 (B2/C1)
Mixed conditionals 2 (C1/C2)

Browse all grammar exercises →