Conditionals (2)
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We can use were instead of was after land he/she/it
I wish I was/were clever like you. (= but I'm not clever) I with the weather wasn't/weren't so wet here. (= but it is wet) If only my sister was/were here! (= but she isn't here) Wish / ffonly + the past perfect is used when we express a wish or regret about the past. It's like the third conditional - the event can't be changed: She wishes she'd (had) never met him. (= but she did meet him) I wish we'd (had) come a few weeks ago. (= but we didn't come) If only I hadn't broken that priceless vase! (= but I did break it) Wish / if only + would is used when we express a wish: for something to happen now or in the future: wish you would stay longer
If only the rain would stop! for someone to do something (often when we are annoyed): I wish you wouldn't leave your bag in the doorway. I wish the waiter would hurry up. I'm so hungry! Notice the difference between I hope + will and I wish + would when talking about the future Ihope he will phone. (= there's a good chance he will phone) wish he would phone. (= it's unlikely he will phone)
Ei it's time and would rather (not) These expressions are followed by the past simple with a present meaning
It's time we ate dinner now. It's time I went home. I'd rather you didn't bring large cameras. We'd rather the flat was bigger, but it's all we can afford.
A When the subject of would rather is the same as the subject of the following verb, we normally use the infinitive without to: They'd rather eat at home as they have a small baby. I'd rather go home by taxi at this time of night. We'd rather not spend too much money as we're saving for a new car 6
otherwise and or else
These words mean 'because if not': I have to go to bed early, otherwise I get too tired. (= if I don't go to bed early, I get too tired) Back up your work as you go along otherwise you could lose it all. (= if you don't back up your work, you could lose it all) Carry that tray with both hands or else you'll drop it. (= if you don't carry it with both hands, you'll drop it) They have to have a car or else they wouldn't be able to get to work. (= if they didn't have a car, they wouldn't be able to get to work)
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