Complete Guide to Using “I wish I could + (verb)” in English

The phrase “I wish I could + verb” expresses a desire or longing for an ability or opportunity that currently doesn’t exist. This construction helps communicate unfulfilled wishes or hypothetical situations.

“I wish I could” Usage Examples

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation	Context
1	I wish I could sing better.	काश मैं बेहतर गा सकता/सकती।	Skill desire
2	I wish I could settle the argument.	काश मैं इस बहस को सुलझा सकता/सकती।	Conflict resolution
3	I wish I could sail around the world.	काश मैं दुनिया भर में समुद्री यात्रा कर सकता/सकती।	Adventure wish
4	I wish I could remain calm during all of this.	काश मैं इस सब के दौरान शांत रह सकता/सकती।	Emotional control
5	I wish I could remember his name.	काश मैं उसका नाम याद कर सकता/सकती।	Memory wish
6	I wish I could replace my old car with a new one.	काश मैं अपनी पुरानी कार को नई से बदल सकता/सकती।	Material desire
7	I wish I could play outside.	काश मैं बाहर खेल सकता/सकती।	Activity limitation
8	I wish I could go to the game with you.	काश मैं तुम्हारे साथ खेल देखने जा सकता/सकती।	Missed opportunity
9	I wish I could write better.	काश मैं बेहतर लिख सकता/सकती।	Skill improvement
10	I wish I could own my own business.	काश मैं अपना खुद का व्यवसाय रख सकता/सकती।	Career aspiration

Expanded Usage Examples

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation
11	I wish I could speak French fluently.	काश मैं फ्रेंच धाराप्रवाह बोल सकता/सकती।
12	I wish I could travel back in time.	काश मैं समय में वापस जा सकता/सकती।
13	I wish I could understand quantum physics.	काश मैं क्वांटम भौतिकी समझ सकता/सकती।
14	I wish I could help you more.	काश मैं तुम्हारी और मदद कर सकता/सकती।
15	I wish I could see you more often.	काश मैं तुम्हें और अक्सर देख सकता/सकती।

Alternative Expressions

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation
1	If only I could dance well.	काश मैं अच्छी तरह नाच सकता/सकती।
2	I would love to be able to paint.	मैं चाहूँगा/चाहूँगी कि मैं चित्रकारी कर सकूँ।
3	It’s too bad I can’t play piano.	अफ़सोस है कि मैं पियानो नहीं बजा सकता/सकती।

Key Grammar Rules

• Structure:
  • “I wish I could” + base verb
  •  Correct: “I wish I could fly.”
  •  Incorrect: “I wish I could to fly.”
• Tense Agreement:
  • Always use past tense modal “could” after “wish”
  • Never use present tense “can” in this construction
• Negative Form:
  • “I wish I couldn’t see this.” (rare usage)
  • More common: “I wish I didn’t have to see this.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

 “I wish I can swim better.”
 “I wish I could swim better.” (use past tense modal)

 “I wish I could to go with you.”
 “I wish I could go with you.” (no “to” after modal verbs)

 “I wish if I could drive.”
 “I wish I could drive.” (no “if” needed)

Cultural Usage Notes

• Expressing Politeness:
  • Often used to soften requests (“I wish I could help more”)
• Daydreaming:
  • Common for fantasizing (“I wish I could fly”)
• Indian Context:
  • Often used with “only” for emphasis (“I wish I could only speak English fluently”)
  • Sometimes combined with “yaar” in informal speech (“Yaar, I wish I could come”)