English Grammar – Wish

In English, the word “wish” generally refers to expressions of hope or desire for something that isn’t currently true or possible at the moment. In other words, talk about things which we want but which are not possible to have at present.

These expressions often use a specific verb form or grammatical structure in English, commonly involving the word “wish.” 

When expressing wishes about the present or future, a subjunctive form or a past simple tense is often used, even though the tense might not match the actual time frame: Note: The subjunctive form is a verb mood used to express wishes, hypothetical situations, demands, or suggestions

• Present Wishes: When talking about something in the present that you wish were different, we use the past simple tense. For example: “I wish I had some money.” (But I don’t have any money.). Note: We use the past tense even though we are talking in the present.
  
• Wishes about the Future: For things we wish would change in the future, It is formed as follows:   “would” + base verb. For example: “I wish it would stop snowing.” (But it might keep snowing.)
• Past Wishes: When referring to things or regrets you wish had been different in the past, use the past perfect tense. For example: “I wish I had practised more for my driving test.” (But I didn’t practise a lot.)

This sentence expresses regret about not practising more in the past, using “had practised,” which is the past perfect form.

These structures allow English speakers to convey their wishes for things to be different than they currently are, whether in the past, future, or present.