Grammar Games Speed Round
Wish and If Only Game
Imagine a different present or a change you want.
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Play first. Understand every answer.
The round is short; the corrections are the lesson. Use the guide below whenever you want a refresher.
How to play
- Choose Practice for an untimed round, or Challenge for twelve timed questions and three lives.
- Practice lets you choose a difficulty; Challenge mixes all three levels.
- Read each correction and continue with the related exercise.
Grammar guide
Wish and If Only Game: rules and examples
Wish and if only imagine a different present or a change you want. Choose a past form for a present fact, could for a missing ability and would for another person's behaviour or a situation to change.
01
A different present
Wish or if only with a past form imagines a present situation that is not real. Were is the careful form of be; was is also heard informally.
I wish I had more time.
I do not have enough time now.If only we lived nearer!
We live far away now.
02
A missing ability
Use could for something you cannot do now.
She wishes she could drive.
She does not know how to drive.If only I could swim!
I cannot swim now.
03
A change you want
Use would for a desired change in someone else's behaviour or a situation.
I wish the neighbours would turn down the music.
The music is too loud now.If only the rain would stop!
The speaker wants the weather to change.
FAQ
Is this wish and if only game free?
Yes. Practice and Challenge are free without an account.
Why does wish use a past form for the present?
The past form marks the present situation as unreal or different from what the speaker wants.
What is the difference between wish and if only?
Both can express an unreal idea; if only often sounds stronger or more emotional.
When do I use could or would?
Could describes an ability you lack; would asks for a change in someone else's behaviour or a situation.
Can I use this game in class?
Yes. Ask learners to identify a present fact, missing ability or desired change before choosing.
Is my score saved?
Your best Challenge score is saved in this browser, not your account.