Present Regret

Good afternoon, you guys! Let's learn how to express present regrets:

Regret /rɪˈgrɛt/ 

verb (used with object), regretted, regretting.

-         -  to feel sorrow or remorse for an act, fault, disappointment, etc...

Did you understand it? Not yet? Let's go... When someone needs to express remorse, regrets about your present time it is recommended to use wish and a verb in the past.

You may ask yourself why PAST to talk about present, but the rule is simple and you need to follow it. Let’s read some examples then you study more and practice.

I don’t like this place. I wish I lived in another city.
I wish I was taller, but I’m kind of short.

Everyone wishes they had more free time.
John wishes he wasn’t so busy.
I wish it wasn’t so hot in Ceará.

Use subject + wish/wishes + object + simple past

My watch is old and ugly. I wish it was newer and beautiful.  

(Present)                           (Past)

She’s from Brazil. She wishes she was Spanish.

(Present)                           (Past)

 My mum never buys cheese that I like most. I wish my mum bought that cheese.

(Present)                                                                   (Past)

You can read the lyrics of a Blink 182 song, I feel so and also see the video

Sometimes
I wish I was brave
I wish I was stronger
I wish I could feel no pain
I wish I was young 
I wish I was shy
I wish I was honest
I wish I was you not I

'Cause
I feel so mad
I feel so angry
I feel so careless
So lost, confused, so tired
I feel so cheap
So used, unfaithful
Let's start over
Let's start over

Sometimes
I wish I was smart
I wish I made cures for 
How people are
I wish I had power
I wish I could lead
I wish I could change the world 
For you and me

'Cause
I feel so mad
I feel so angry
I feel so careless
So lost, confused, again
I feel so cheap
So used, unfaithful
Let's start over
Let's start over