Past Perfect pronunciation
In the last programme, we found out how to use 'wish' with the past perfect to talk about things in the past that we would like to change now. Today, we're focussing on two different forms of this grammar... Will Mika from Japan be able to hear the difference?

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Past Perfect Pronunciation

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To express regrets about past events, we use the subject, followed by wish/wishes, followed by the past perfect (subject + had/hadn't + past participle).

There is a long form and a short form of pronunciation.

Positive

Long form:	I wish I had bought a new coat
Short form:	I wish I'd bought a new coat

Negative

Long form:	She wishes she had not bought a new coat
Short form:	She wishes she hadn't bought a new coat

Question

Long form:	Do you wish you had bought a new coat?
Short form:	Do you wish you'd bought a new coat?

More about this grammar (pdf - 34k)
Download Catherine's grammar explanation (pdf - 37k)



Now it's your turn to practise your listening and pronunciation. Go to our quiz page here.

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