Wish & If Only: Gap Fill Advanced
B1-B2 Level
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At this level, you also need to handle sentences where the time reference is not immediately obvious. For example, "I wish you would stop interrupting me" is about a present behaviour you want to change — not a past event. Similarly, "If only I had known about the meeting" refers to a past situation even without an explicit time word. Pay attention to the overall meaning, not just individual words. This distinction between the three structures is a common test item in Cambridge B2 First examinations and requires careful reading of each sentence.
Quick Rule
wish + past simple (present) | wish + past perfect (past) | wish + would (behaviour/complaint)
- 1.I wish I understood this topic better. (present wish — I don't understand now)
- 2.If only she had taken the earlier train. (past regret — she missed it)
- 3.He wishes his neighbours wouldn't play loud music. (complaint about behaviour)
- 4.We don't wish we had moved — we love it here. (negative — no regret about moving)
- 5.If only you would listen to me for once! (complaint — you never listen)
All 20 questions
Complete each sentence with the correct form of the verb. Choose between past simple, past perfect, or would + infinitive based on the context.
My neighbour plays loud music every night. I wish he _____ (not play) it so late.
I don't know the answer. If only I _____ (know) what to say!
She quit her job last year. Now she wishes she _____ (not quit).
It's always cold in this office. I wish the heating _____ (work) properly.
He never listens to my advice. I wish he _____ (listen) sometimes!
We didn't book the hotel in advance. If only we _____ (book) earlier!
I'm not confident enough. I wish I _____ (have) more self-confidence.
She keeps interrupting me. I wish she _____ (stop) doing that!
I told him the secret. If only I _____ (keep) my mouth shut!
The traffic is terrible today. I wish there _____ (not be) so many cars!
He's always late. I wish he _____ (be) more punctual.
I didn't say goodbye to her. I wish I _____ (have) the chance to say goodbye.
My sister never helps with housework. If only she _____ (do) her share!
I can't find my keys anywhere. I wish I _____ (remember) where I put them.
We missed the deadline. If only we _____ (start) the project sooner!
It's so hot today. I wish it _____ (rain) to cool things down.
I don't earn enough money. I wish I _____ (earn) a higher salary.
He spent all his savings on that car. He wishes he _____ (not buy) such an expensive one.
My boss never praises my work. I wish she _____ (appreciate) my efforts more.
I didn't bring my umbrella. If only I _____ (check) the weather forecast!
Continue Practising
Continue practising with these related exercises
Past Simple Transformation
EasyTransform present situations into wish + past simple
20 questions
Past Perfect Transformation
MediumTransform past regrets into wish + past perfect
20 questions
Would Transformation
MediumTransform complaints about behaviour into wish + would
20 questions
-ed vs -ing Adjectives
EasyPractise bored/boring, interested/interesting, and other feeling adjective pairs
60 questions
Conditionals
MediumMaster all types of conditional sentences (zero to third)
330 questions
Present Perfect
MediumLearn to talk about experiences and unfinished time
240 questions