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always believing that bad things will happen
pessimistic
always believing that good things will happen
optimistic
Situation: Employing the new accounts manager was a bad idea. (Employed)
I wish we ____________ the new accounts manager.
I wish we hadn't employed the new accounts manager.
I wish I hadn't had a second car. I can't afford to run it now.
I wish I didn't have a second car. I can't afford to run it now.
to give up something that is valuable to you in order to help another person:
sacrifice
an adjective to describe an energetic happy person who enjoys being with other people
extroverted
adjective used to describe someone who is shy, quiet, and prefers to spend time alone rather than often being with other people
introverted
Situation: It was wrong to be so defensive. (BEEN)
If only I __________ less defensive.
If only I had been less defensive.
We're going to be late. I wish we left earlier.
We're going to be late. I wish we had left earlier.
payment for work or services:
remuneration
an agreement in an argument in which the people involved change their opinion in order to agree
compromise
to persuade other people to allow you to do what you want
get your own way
Situation: I'm sorry I missed your birthday celebration. (NOT)
I wish I _________ your birthday celebration.
I wish I hadn't missed your birthday celebration.
I don't understand what they are saying. I wish I speak French.
I don't understand what they are saying. I wish I spoke French.
in the end, especially after a long time or a lot of effort, problems
eventually
too quick to protect yourself from being criticized
defensive
adjective to describe someone who behaves confidently and is not frightened to say what they want or believe
assertive
Situation: You should treat your staff with more respect. (YOU)
If only ___________________ with more respect.
If only you treated your staff with more respect.
House prices have gone up now. If only I bought a property five years ago.
House prices have gone up now. If only I had bought a property five years ago.
the ordinary workers in a factory, or the place where they work
the shop floor
be humiliated or come to be less highly respected
lose face
avoid feeling ashamed or embarrassed in front of your friends or colleagues (opposite of lose face)
save face
Situation: I hate having to compromise on every detail. (DID)
If only we ______________ on every detail.
If only we didn't have to compromise on every detail.
It takes an hour to get to work. I wish I had worked closer to home.
It takes an hour to get to work. I wish I worked closer to home.
gradually, slowly and regularly
steadily