expressing regrets and advice

1. Expressing REGRETS IN THE PAST
• I wish I + past perfect
– I wish I had studied harder
• If only I + past perfect
– If only I had studied harder
• If I had done X, I would(n’t) be doing Y
– If I had studied harder, I wouldn’t be unemployed
• I shouldn’t + infinitive perfect
– I shouldn’t have left my studies

2. Expressing ADVICE
• You should + infinitive
– You should go back to school
• It’s a good idea to + infinitive
– It’s a good idea to go bach to school
• If I were you, I would + infinitive
– If I were you, I’d go back to school
• You’d better + infinitive
– You’d better go back to school
• How/What about + ing? Why don’t you + infinitive?
– How about going back to school?
– Why don’t you go back to school?
• Try + ing
– Try going back to school