wish + could / past simple / had — the three wishes (GiU Unit 39)
The frame
Section titled “The frame”I can’t find my key anywhere, which is annoying. → I wish I could find my key. ✓
The wish ladder
Section titled “The wish ladder”| form | what you wish for | example |
|---|---|---|
| wish + could | ability/possibility you lack now | I wish I could find my key · I wish I could swim |
| wish + past simple | a state different now | I wish I knew her number · I wish I had more time |
| wish + had + past participle | a past regret | I wish I had studied harder |
| wish + would | wanting something/someone to change (annoyance at others) | I wish the bus would come |
The rule for could
Section titled “The rule for could”If the annoyance is “I can’t do X” → wish I could do X. The modal can becomes could (same pivot as can→could in conditionals).
- can’t find → I wish I could find
- can’t drive → I wish I could drive
- don’t know → not could: I wish I knew (state, not ability)
✗ I wish I would — would-wishes only target other people/things (I wish he would stop). About yourself, use could/past simple/had.
Source
Section titled “Source”Raymond Murphy, English Grammar in Use, Unit 39 — If I knew… I wish I knew… Ebot lesson 2026-09-05.