We often use the past tense form to express a wish. This is quite common after expressions like I wish, I’d rather, If only, As if, Suppose, and It’s time/high time.
Study the examples given below.
I wish Iwas taller. (NOT I wish I am taller.)
It’s time you started looking for a job.
She behaved as if she had been a total stranger.
Rewrite the following sentences using the appropriate form of the verb given in the brackets.
1It's about time you ............... to bed.
Wrong!
After "It's about time", use past simple for a present situation, so "went" is correct.
2He behaves as if he ............... the Emperor.
Wrong!
In formal unreal comparisons after "as if", use "were", so "were" is correct.
3If only I ............... more money.
Wrong!
After "If only", use past simple to talk about an unreal present wish, so "had" is correct.
4If I ............... earlier, I would have sent you an urgent message.
Wrong!
For an unreal past condition, use past perfect, so "had known" is correct.
5It's time you ............... those trousers.
Wrong!
After "It's time", use past simple to say something should happen now, so "washed" is correct.
6It's time she ............... waiting for him.
Wrong!
After "It's time", use past simple to show that the action is overdue, so "stopped" is correct.
7I wish I ............... his address.
Wrong!
After "I wish", use past simple for an unreal present situation, so "knew" is correct.
8I wish I ............... German.
Wrong!
After "I wish", use past simple for an unreal present ability or situation, so "spoke" is correct.
Exercise complete
0 out of 8
correct answers
Answers
- It’s about time you went to bed.
- He behaves as if he were the Emperor.
- If only I had more money.
- If I had known earlier, I would have sent you an urgent message.
- It’s time you washed those trousers.
- It’s time she stopped waiting for him.
- I wish I knew his address.
- I wish I spoke German.