1. Hypothetical constructions
WISH
prezentare

2. She wishes she didn’t have a lazy son.
+ Past Simple pentru a indica regret pentru o situatie care apare sau nu in prezent.
Situatie: His mother regrets (is sorry) she has a lazy son.
She wishes she didn’t have a lazy son.
She wishes her son weren’t so lazy.
She wishes her son were more diligent.
Situatie: It’s a pity I don’t have much free time.
I wish I had more free time.

3. She wishes she were sleeping now.
+ Past Continuous pentru a indica regret pentru o actiune aflata in desfasurare in prezent.
Situatie: Jenny is working.
She wishes she were sleeping now.
She wishes she were not working this moment.
Situatie: The children are playing in the street.
Their parents wish they weren’t playing in the street.
Their parents wish they were playing in the park.

4. Her teacher wishes Jenny had done her homework.
+ Past Perfect pentru a indica regret pentru o situatie dezirabila, dar nerealizata, din trecut.
Situatie: Jenny didn’t do her homework yesterday.
Her teacher wishes Jenny had done her homework.
Situatie: I forgot to buy the magazine.
I wish I hadn’t forgotten to buy the magazine.
I wish I had bought the magazine.

5. I wish my neighbour wouldn’t gossip any more.
+ would + V pentru a indica o dorinta fara mari sanse de realizare in viitor (1); sau ca alternativa pentru Past Simple atunci cand vorbim de obiceiuri (2).
Situatie (1): My boyfriend hasn’t written to me yet.
I wish my boyfriend would write to me soon (but I don’t think he will).
Situatie (2): My neighbour gossips a lot.
I wish my neighbour wouldn’t gossip any more.