Wish + (that) + would: On the other hand, we use 'would' with 'wish' in a little bit of a special way.
I wish that I could drive (I can't drive).I wish that I could speak Spanish (but, unfortunately, I can't speak Spanish).We use 'could' with 'wish' to talk about ability and to talk about possibility. For example, 'we can't come to the party tonight' or 'John can help you clean up'. We also use 'can' to talk about possibility - if things are possible or not possible. For example, 'I can speak Spanish' or 'I can't drive'.
#I WISH THAT I COULD BUILD A WORLD FOR TWO HOW TO#
Of course, we use 'can' to talk about ability - if we know how to do something or not.
In this situation, 'could' is the past simple of 'can'. We also use 'wish' with 'could' to talk about things in the present or future that we would like to be different. 'I wish I were rich' or 'I wish I was rich'.).This is correct, but it's also fine to use 'was', in the same way as with the second conditional. (*In formal writing, you will see 'were' instead of 'was' after wish. I wish that John wasn't busy tomorrow* (he is busy, unfortunately).I wish that you lived close by (you don't live close by).I wish that we didn't need to work today (we do need to work today, unfortunately).I wish that I had a big house (I don't have a big house, but it's a nice idea!).It's used for things which are impossible or very unlikely.
How to Use 'Wish' Wishes about the present or future (Download this explanation in PDF here.) Wish + (that) + past simple: We can use 'wish' to talk about something that we would like to be different in the present or the future.
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