Casa · B1 Intermediate · Lesson 19 of 20 · Step 2

Money & Finance

Personal finances and expressing wishes and regrets

Use 'wish + past simple' to express wishes about the present
Use 'if only + past simple' for stronger wishes and regrets
Discuss money, budgeting, and financial decisions

Words · tap a card to see it used

Grammar

Wish + past simple / If only + past simple

Use 'wish + past simple' to express that you want the present to be different. Use 'if only + past simple' for a stronger or more emotional wish. With 'be', you can use 'were' for all subjects (I wish I were...) in formal English, though 'was' is common in informal speech. These structures express dissatisfaction with the current situation.

I wish I had more money. (I don't have enough money now.)

She wishes she lived closer to her family.

If only I could drive — I have to take the bus every day.

He wishes he were better at saving money.

Exercises · type, then check

1. Complete each sentence with the correct form of the verb in brackets. Use wish + past simple.

1.I wish I (have) enough money to travel more.

2.She wishes she (not spend) so much on clothes last month.

3.If only I (know) how to manage my finances better.

4.He wishes he (can) afford a new car.

5.We wish we (not have to) pay so much rent.

2. Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.

1. I wish I ___ a higher salary.

2. If only she ___ better with money.

3. He wishes he ___ so much on his credit card.

4. I wish I ___ how to invest properly.

5. If only we ___ afford to buy a house in this area.

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Reading

Lessons About Money

When I was in my twenties, I didn't think much about money. I spent everything I earned and never saved. Now I wish I had started saving earlier. If only I had opened a savings account when I got my first job. My friend Ana is the opposite — she has always been careful with money. She wishes she could be a little more relaxed about spending, but she says she prefers knowing she has money in the bank. I asked her for advice last year, and she helped me create a budget. Now I save a little every month. I still wish I earned more, but at least I feel more in control. If only everyone learned about personal finance at school — it would make such a difference.

1. What does the writer wish they had done differently?

2. What is Ana's attitude towards money?

Speaking · say it out loud, with a partner or alone

1Tell your partner three things you wish were different about your financial situation right now. Use 'I wish...' or 'If only...'.

2Do you think schools should teach children about money and budgeting? Why or why not? Discuss with your partner.

Writing

Write 6–8 sentences about your relationship with money. Include at least three sentences using 'wish' or 'if only' to express things you would like to be different.

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Finished?

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