Wish & If Only Dictation: Wishes with If Only

Use the verb after if only to hear what kind of wish this is. A past form can describe an unreal present situation; had plus a participle looks back with regret. Could concerns ability or opportunity, while would often expresses a desired change. Be careful with had on its own: it can describe something wanted now, rather than a completed past action. Keep both words of if only and every auxiliary that follows. Let the recording supply the form instead of choosing one from the topic title.