Desires

When we desire something, we wish that something happens in a different way. For this reason, wishes about current situations are very similar to the second conditionals, which is the opposite of reality.

There are two ways to wish about current situations. You can introduce the wish, with the word wish or with the expression if only. First, let’s take a look at the second conditional.

In the second conditional, we use the structure. if + past simple, would + infinitive. For example:

If I lived in the city, I wouldn’t have to take the train to work.

When we desire something, we can just use the if half of the conditional…

With wish: I wish I lived in the city.

With if only: If only I lived in the city.

In other words: Now, I don’t live in the city, but I would like to. The desire is the opposite of reality, but it’s possible that the desire becomes reality because you are the master of your fate!

Here are some more examples: 

His mother wishes he didn't have a driver's license.

If only they could visit more often.

You wish you spoke English fluently!