At B2 level, wish + would expresses frustration about an annoying habit or a desired change in someone's behaviour. Wish + Past Perfect expresses regret about something that happened (or didn't happen) in the past.
Exercises:
Exercise 1 (Easy): wish + would or wish + Past Perfect?
Choose the correct wish structure. wish + would = irritating habit or desired change. wish + Past Perfect = regret about the past.
Exercises:
1
I wish she ___ stop interrupting me all the time.
2
I wish I ___ that argument with my boss. It cost me the promotion.
3
He wishes she ___ call him back. He's been waiting for hours.
4
I wish I ___ to the doctor sooner. Now it's too late.
5
She wishes her neighbours ___ play loud music at night.
6
I wish I ___ harder at school. My life would be different now.
7
He wishes she ___ talk about her ex all the time.
8
I wish I ___ that investment. I lost everything.
9
She wishes he ___ be more considerate of her feelings.
10
I wish I ___ the opportunity to study abroad when I was young.
Wish + Would / Past Perfect (B2)
wish + Past Simple(Unhappy about a current state)
I wish I were taller. / I wish I had more time.
wish + could(Desired present ability)
I wish I could speak Japanese.
wish + would(Frustration about a habit / desire for change)
I wish he would stop smoking. / I wish she would reply faster.
wish + Past Perfect(Regret about a past event)
I wish I had studied harder. / I wish I hadn't said that.
if only + …(Stronger, more dramatic version of wish)
If only I had listened! / If only she would call.
⚠ wish + would: only for other people's behaviour: You can't say I wish I would… about yourself (use wish + Past Simple instead). You CAN say I wish it would stop raining (about things outside your control).