Overview
Master complex conditional structures including wish, if only, and imagined past/present scenarios.
Wish, If Only & Would Rather
- wish + past simplePresent regret: I wish I knew the answer.
- wish + past perfectPast regret: I wish I had taken the offer.
- wish + wouldAnnoyance/desire for change: I wish you wouldn't interrupt.
- would ratherPreference: I'd rather you didn't share this externally.
Other C1 Patterns
- It's timeIt's time + past simple: It's time we addressed this.
- SupposingSupposing + past simple: Supposing you were offered the role…
- As if/thoughAs if / as though + past: He spoke as if he owned the firm.
- If onlyStronger regret: If only she had listened.
Common C1 Mistakes
- ❌ I wish I would know → ✅ I wish I knew (not wish + would for self)
- ❌ It's time we go → ✅ It's time we went (past simple)
- ❌ She acts as if she is → ✅ as if she were (subjunctive/formal)
- ❌ I'd rather you don't → ✅ I'd rather you didn't
When to use
Expressing regret
If only we had invested in development earlier.
Professional preference
I'd rather you didn't share the draft externally yet.
Hypothetical reasoning
Supposing the merger went ahead — how would staffing be affected?
Narrative register
He spoke as if the decision had already been made.