A couple of particular uses of the past simple

Today, let's talk about two more unusual things we do with the past simple.

1: Past Simple for things that are hypothetical
 

We use the past simple to talk about things that are not real in the present or future. I know this can feel a bit strange! It's not about real time. We just use the past to say that something is imaginary.

Second conditional:
 

• If I had a lot of money, I would travel round the world.
• If it wasn't raining, we could go to the park.

Wish:
 

• I wish (that) I had a car.
• I wish (that) we weren't in London at the moment.
• I wish (that) Andrew was here now.

We also use the past simple after 'it's time' to talk about the present:
 

• It's time (that) we went home.
• It's time (that) you stopped smoking.
• It's time (that) I learned to drive.

2: Past simple for politeness
 

In English, using the past tense when you're making a request makes you sound more polite.
 

• I wondered if you could help me.
• I hoped that you might lend me the money.

We also use the past of modal verbs such as could (past of can) or would (past of will) in requests for this reason.

Let's review!

1. We use the past simple for things that are not __________ in the present or the future.
2. One example of an unreal use of the past simple is the __________ conditional.
3. We also use the __________ tense after 'wish'..