WISH + WOULD (Complaints & Desired Changes) (B1 Grammar)

Use WISH + WOULD to complain about annoying HABITS or SITUATIONS that someone/something does repeatedly, or to express a desire for someone/something to CHANGE their behavior in the future. Structure: I wish + subject + WOULD + verb. Cannot use with 'I' as subject of 'would'!

Quick tip: WISH + WOULD = annoyance about someone else's behavior OR desire for change. For YOUR OWN situation, use WISH + past simple. Can't say 'I wish I would'!

Form: WISH + someone/something + WOULD + verb

Use WOULD (not past simple) when you want SOMEONE ELSE or SOMETHING to change. Express annoyance or desire for change in behavior.

• I wish he WOULD stop talking! (he talks too much - it annoys me)
• I wish it WOULD stop raining. (annoying situation - I want it to change)
• She wishes they WOULD be quiet. (they're noisy - she wants them to stop)
• I wish you WOULD listen to me! (complaint - you don't listen)

Use 1: ANNOYING HABITS (complaints)

Express annoyance about someone's repeated behavior that bothers you. It's happening now and you want it to stop.

• I wish she would stop interrupting me! (she interrupts - it's annoying)
• I wish he wouldn't smoke in the house. (he smokes - I don't like it)
• I wish they would arrive on time. (they're always late - annoying!)
• I wish the dog would stop barking. (the dog barks too much)

Use 2: DESIRED future CHANGES

Express a wish for someone/something to change their behavior or situation in the future. You want action/change.

• I wish the weather would get better. (I want the weather to improve)
• I wish he would call me. (I want him to call - he hasn't yet)
• She wishes her boss would give her a raise. (wants future change)
• I wish they would help us. (I want them to help - they don't)

Common mistakes

• Not "I wish I would be rich." — say "I wish I were rich.". Don't use 'I wish I would' for your OWN situation! Use 'I wish I + past simple' (were/had/could)..
• Not "I wish he stops talking." — say "I wish he would stop talking.". For complaints about OTHER people's actions, use WISH + WOULD + verb (not present simple)..
• Not "I wish I would can speak French." — say "I wish I could speak French.". For your own abilities, use WISH + COULD (past of can), not 'would can'..

Practise it

Is it YOUR situation? → WISH + past simple (were/had/could). Is it SOMEONE ELSE's annoying behavior? → WISH + WOULD. Remember: NO 'I wish I would'!