Respected sir/Madam,
I am little confused in understanding the sentences that consist of “Wish”.
If possible could you make me understand below the sentences please? Also, if possible could you suggest me the usage of Wish?
I wish I could have worked harder
I wish I had studied better
I wish he would recover soon
I wish I can sleep early
***** NOT A TEACHER *****
Hello, Prvnadit.
(1) Yes, the verb "wish" can be confusing.
(2) And sometimes we must use the verb "hope" -- not "wish."
(3) Please remember that "wish" many times refers to something now
or in the past that I cannot change:
I wish that I were handsome. (I will never be handsome)
I wish that everyone were nice. (That will never happen!!!)
I wish that I had eaten only one hamburger yesterday. (I ate three
hamburgers yesterday, and now I am very sick.)
(4) Please remember that "hope" means that MAYBE something will
happen:
I hope you get that raise in money at your job.
I hope that Mr. X wins the election next week.
I hope that there is no rain tomorrow. (I want to go to the beach.)
*****
Let's look at your sentences:
1. I wish that I could have worked harder. I think it's fine.
2. I wish that I had studied better. I think it's fine.
3. I wish that he would recover soon. In this sentence, I think
most teachers would suggest "hope":
I hope that he recoverS soon.
4. I wish that I could sleep early. I do not understand exactly what
the meaning is. Do you wish to say something like:
I wish that I could go to bed earlier. (I have to work until 10 p.m. I never
get to bed until 11:30 p. m.)
5. By the way, the word "that" is not necessary in those sentences:
I wish (that) there were peace in the world.
Since you are a learner, I respectfully suggest that you use "that."
***** Thank you for the question *****
P. S. Please ask any more questions that you have about this
matter. Many people would be happy to answer you.
