Unreal Past

Wish or If only

  

We use wish or if only when we want to describe imaginary or unreal situations. These are often regretes

Wish or if only + past tense describes imaginary present or future:  

• If only I were taller

Wish or if only + past perfect describes the imaginary past: 

• I wish I had been a good photographer. 

Wish + object + would is used to complain: 

• I wish you would be quiet!

It´s time, It´s high time, It´s about time

We use those above + past tence to say something should be happening now but isn´t. Besides, it is often used for criticizing someone or something.

• It´s high time you  stopped acting like a child.
•  It´s about time  you finished  that homework.

Would rather

 We use Would rather + simple past to describe preferences. 

• I´d rather she gave me the cash.
• We´d rather you had not taken photos.

We use would rather + base form when the person who expresses the preference and the subject are the same.

•  I´d rather dance salsa than tango.
• I´d rather know the truth now than later. 

These expression are often to refure permission:

•  I´d rather you didn´t smoke in my home.

What if or Suppose

We use what if or suppose + past tense to ask about an imaginary situation in the present or future:

• Suppose you asked the bank for a loan?

We use what if or suppose + past perdect to ask about an imaginary situation in the past:

•  What if we had arrived earlier?

We use what if or suppose + simple present to ask about situation that we think is probable:

•  What if your plan doesn´t work?