Learn · Sentences Social Situations

I wish I could stay longer, but I have to leave soon.

B1

Sentence

Narrator

I wish I could stay longer, but I have to leave soon.

Study notes

How to use in different contexts

Expressing Regret

I'm sorry I have to leave so soon; I wish I could stay longer.

Making an Excuse

I'd love to chat more, but I have prior commitments and need to leave soon.

Saying Goodbye

It was great seeing you. I wish I could stay longer, but I have to go now.

Responding to an Invitation

Thank you for the invitation, but I won't be able to stay long. I have other plans.

Rephrased versions

Formal

I regret that I must depart shortly, though I would prefer to remain longer.

Casual

I wish I could hang out longer, but I gotta run.

Simpler English

I want to stay, but I need to go soon.

Phrases to learn

stay longer

To remain for an extended period of time.

have to leave soon

To be obligated to depart in the near future.