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What tense do we use with I wish?
The verb after “wish” is one tense back, so that if you are wishing for a different present situation, the tense that follows “wish” is past simple or past continuous. If you are wishing that a past situation was different, the tense that comes after “wish” is past perfect.
How can I Wish I Were example?
Examples of The Phrase I Wish I Were “I wish I were taller.” “I wish I were smarter.” “I wish I were funnier.” “I wish I were prettier.”
How do you wish in the past?
In the past We can use wish/if only + a past perfect form to talk about something we would like to change about the past. They wish they hadn’t eaten so much chocolate. They’re feeling very sick now. If only I’d studied harder when I was at school.
How do I use wish?
We use the verb wish or the phrase if only to talk about things which we want but which are not possible:
- I wish I could see you next week.
- I don’t like my work.
- I don’t like this place.
- I wish I was/were taller.
- I wish I had worked harder when I was at school.
- We should phone them in case they are lost.
Is it correct to say “I Wish I was”?
No one can tell you that you are wrong. It is one of the few remaining uses of the subjunctive mood in English. Nevertheless, you can often hear and read (also in reliable sources) “ I wish I was ” (“I wish I” + past simple indicative of “be”) that can be regarded as acceptable. Even the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary considers it as correct.
How do you use the word wish in a sentence?
Always use the past simple after “I wish”. ( eg: ” I wish I had a crystal ball “, ” I wish I knew you before “, ” I wish I had done better at the exam “…) except when the verb is “to be”, then use “were” ( eg: ” I wish I were an artist “, ” I wish I were a billionaire “…) Ludwig’s wrap-up. ” I wish I were ” is the most correct form, and,
Should you use “I Wish I were” when writing a paper?
If you’re looking to write a hit song, it’s fine to use the less formal I wish I was. If you’re writing a paper for your English professor, on the other hand, stick with the grammarians, and use I wish I were. Make Your Writing Shine!
What is the difference between “I wish that I was there” and “preterite?
As for the first option (“I wish that I was there”) with the preterite indicative, it is more colloquial and far more likely to be said (as opposed to written).