Unit 39. If I knew ... I wish I knew.
Unit 39; Part A


She says:
If I knew his number, I would phone him.
Sarah says: If I knew his number ... .This tells us that she doesn't know his number. She is imagining thesituation. The real situation is that she doesn't know his number.
When you imagine a situation like this, you use if + past (if I knew / if you were / if we didn't etc.). But the meaning is present, not past:
• Tom would read more if he had more time. (but he doesn't have much time)
• If I didn't want to go to the party, I wouldn't go. (but I want to go)
• We wouldn't have any money if we didn't work. (but we work)
• If you were in my position, what would you do?
• It's a pity you can't drive. It would be useful if you could.
Unit 39; Part B


• I wish I knew Paul's phone number.
(= I don't know it and I regret this)
• Do you ever wish you could fly?
(you can't fly)
• It rains a lot here. I wish it didn't rain so often.
• It's very crowded here. I wish there weren't so many people.
(there are a lot of people)
• I wish I didn't have to work tomorrow, but unfortunately I do.
Unit 39; Part C

After if and wish, you can use were instead of was (if I were ... / I wish it were etc.). I was / it was are also possible. So you can say:
• If I were you, I wouldn't buy that coat. or If I was you, ...
• I'd go out if it weren't so cold. or ... if it wasn't so cold.
• I wish Carol were here. or I wish Carol was here.
Unit 39; Part D

• If I were rich, I would have a yacht. (not If I would be rich)
• I wish I had something to read. (not I wish I would have)
Sometimes wish ... would is possible: I wish you would listen. See Unit 41.
Unit 39; Part E

• You could get a better job (you could get = you would be able to get)
if you could use a computer. (you could use = you were able to use)
Exercises
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