functions: expressing regret

rafai الأربعاء 25 مايو 2011 - 6:26

Expressing Regret

Expressing regret is as tough as apologizing. Yet it is
quite human to admit one's faults.

You didn't do your homework and the teacher is angry
with you!

I ought to have done it. (said to the teacher)

I should have done it. (said to the teacher)

If only I had done my homework. (said to yourself)

I wish I had done my homework. (said to yourself)

You did a stupid mistake and the teacher is mad about
it!

I'm sorry, I oughtn't to have made such a
mistake. (said to the teacher)

I shouldn't have made such a mistake. (said to the teacher)

If only I hadn't made such a mistake. (said to yourself)

I wish I hadn't made such a mistake. (said to yourself)

Structure

should (not) have + verb in the past participle.

ought (not) to have + verb in the past participle.

if only + Past Perfect

wish + Past Perfect

Examples

I wish I had been more careful. (but in reality I
wasn't and I regret it now)

If only I hadn't told her those hurting words.(but I
did)

I oughtn't to have driven fast.(but I did)

I should have been punctual. (but I wasn't)

I wish I had warned him. (but I didn't)