Wish & If Only: Mixed Transformation Intermediate
B2 Level
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This level also introduces more complex sentences where two ideas combine: "I wish I had saved more money so I could buy a flat" mixes a past regret with a present consequence. You might also see sentences where the boundary between present wish and behaviour complaint is blurred: "I wish my boss were more understanding" (state — past simple) versus "I wish my boss would give us clearer instructions" (repeated action — would). Learning to spot these subtle differences is essential for B2 level examinations and builds confidence in handling real English conversations about hopes and frustrations.
Quick Rule
wish + past simple (present state) | wish + past perfect (past event) | wish + would (repeated action)
- 1.I wish I were better at public speaking. (present state — I'm not good at it now)
- 2.If only she had checked the address before leaving. (past event — she didn't check)
- 3.He wishes his flatmate wouldn't leave dirty dishes in the sink. (repeated action — annoyance)
- 4.We don't wish we had stayed longer — the trip was perfect. (negative — no past regret)
- 5.If only this meeting would end — it's been three hours. (uncontrollable present situation)
All 20 questions
Complete the sentence so it has the same meaning as the original. Analyse the context carefully to choose the correct structure.
I don't have enough experience for this job.
If only I
He made a terrible mistake at the meeting.
He wishes he
My roommate never cleans up after himself.
I wish my roommate
I can't play any musical instrument.
I wish I
We didn't ask for directions and got lost.
We wish we
She constantly checks her phone during conversations.
If only she
My English isn't good enough to work abroad.
I wish my English
I trusted him with my secret and he told everyone.
I wish I
The government never listens to young people.
I wish the government
We aren't close to our extended family.
We wish we
I didn't invest in that company when the shares were cheap.
If only I
My colleagues always talk about work during lunch.
I wish my colleagues
I can't remember people's names.
I wish I
She gave up on her dreams too easily.
She wishes she
The sun never shines in this city.
I wish the sun
I don't have time to exercise regularly.
I wish I
We didn't appreciate our grandparents when they were alive.
We wish we
He keeps making the same mistakes over and over.
If only he
We aren't able to travel as much as we'd like.
We wish we
I said something hurtful in the argument.
I wish I
Continue Practising
Continue practising with these related exercises
Past Simple Transformation
EasyTransform present situations into wish + past simple
20 questions
Past Perfect Transformation
MediumTransform past regrets into wish + past perfect
20 questions
Would Transformation
MediumTransform complaints about behaviour into wish + would
20 questions
-ed vs -ing Adjectives
EasyPractise bored/boring, interested/interesting, and other feeling adjective pairs
60 questions
Conditionals
MediumMaster all types of conditional sentences (zero to third)
330 questions
Present Perfect
MediumLearn to talk about experiences and unfinished time
240 questions