EnglishYour Home Wishes
Choose the correct form after wish or if only.
- I wish I have / had more space.
- If only my flat is / was nearer the station.
- I wish I can / could move house.
- I wish my neighbours aren’t / weren’t so noisy.
- If only I have / had a garden.
- I wish I don’t have to / didn’t have to pay so much rent.
- If only the landlord does / did repairs faster.
- I wish I have / had a balcony.
Wishes About Home
Meaning | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
Unreal desire now or in the future | wish / if only + Past Simple | I wish I had a bigger flat. |
Desired ability or possibility | wish / if only + could | If only I could move house. |
Desired lack of obligation | wish + didn’t have to | I wish I didn’t have to pay all the utility bills. |
Regret about the past | wish + Past Perfect | I wish I had asked more questions before I signed the contract. |
If only is usually stronger or more emotional than I wish.
Connect each situation to the wish
Read the real situation. Connect it to the best wish.
Connect each real situation to the best wish
- I live in a tiny studio.
- I wish I had more space.
- I share a bathroom with two people.
- If only I didn't have to share a bathroom.
- My landlord does not allow pets.
- I wish I could have a cat.
More housing wishes
Connect each problem to a natural wish.
Connect each housing problem to the best wish
- The rent is very high.
- I wish I didn't have to pay so much rent.
- My neighbours play loud music at night.
- If only my neighbours weren't so noisy.
- There is no outdoor space.
- I wish I had a balcony or a garden.
Wishes before moving in
Connect each situation to the best sentence.
Connect each situation to the best sentence
- I cannot move because my contract is still active.
- I wish I could move house sooner.
- I pay the utility bills alone.
- I wish I didn't have to pay the utility bills alone.
- The flat looks old-fashioned.
- If only this flat were more modern.
Complete the housing wishes
Use the word in brackets. Say the full sentence after you complete it.
- I wish I [___] a balcony.
- If only my neighbours [___] loud music every night.
- I wish I [___] move to a quieter area.
- I wish I [___] pay all the utility bills alone.
- If only this flat [___] more modern.
Check the Form
Decide if each statement is correct
Focus on common housing problems
Look back at past regrets
Choose the best form
- I wish my flat [___] more natural light.
- If only I [___] a place with a garden.
- I wish I [___] share a bathroom.
- I wish I [___] the landlord more questions before signing the contract.
Quick Review
- Complete aloud: I wish my bedroom ___ bigger. (be)
- Choose: If only I ___ a place with a garden!
can find / could find
- Complete aloud: I wish I ___ pay such high rent. (not have to)
- Choose: I wish I ___ the landlord more questions before I moved in.
asked / had asked
- Say one true sentence about your ideal home using wish or if only. Include one of these ideas: a flat, balcony, garden, neighbours, rent, or moving house.
