J’exprime un souhait ( a wish) , il est possible qu’il se réalise. WOULD LIKE = ‘D LIKE: ex: I’d like ( = would like) to talk to her = j’aimerais lui parler J’exprime un regret sur un fait présent : IF ONLY (or) I WISH + simple past If only I knew how to use a computer ( or ) I wish I knew how to use a computer. (= I don’t know how to use a computer and I would like to learn how to use it) Si seulement je savais utiliser un ordinateur (ou) J’aimerais tant savoir utiliser un ordinateur. I wish they understood. Si seulement ils comprenaient. C. J’exprime un regret sur un fait passé : IF ONLY (or) I WISH + past perfect If only I had woken up early ( or ) I wish I had woken up early. (= I didn't wake up early and I missed my bus.) Si seulement je m’étais réveillé plus tôt. D. Complaining: talking in the present about something we’d like to change: IF ONLY (or) I WISH + WOULD + base verbale I wish you wouldn't arrive so late all the time. (= I'm annoyed because you always come late and I want you to arrive on time)

WISHES AND REGRETS

LE PRETERIT MODAL

THE STEP AHEAD

WOULD LIKE = ‘D LIKE:

ex: I’d like ( = would like) to talk to her = j’aimerais lui parler

IF ONLY (or) I WISH + simple past

If only I knew how to use a computer ( or ) I wish I knew how to use a computer.

(= I don’t know how to use a computer and I would like to learn how to use it)

Si seulement je savais utiliser un ordinateur

(ou) J’aimerais tant savoir utiliser un ordinateur.

I wish they understood.

Si seulement ils comprenaient.

C. J’exprime un regret sur un fait passé :

IF ONLY (or) I WISH + past perfect

If only I had woken up early ( or ) I wish I had woken up early.

(= I didn't wake up early and I missed my bus.)

Si seulement je m’étais réveillé plus tôt.

D. Complaining: talking in the present about something we’d like to change:

IF ONLY (or) I WISH + WOULD + base verbale

I wish you wouldn't arrive so late all the time.

(= I'm annoyed because you always come late and I want you to arrive on time)