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Anonymous Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

how to say a wish

Please tell me if the conversation here is correct;
John: you are 30 years old
me: no. I am 35 years old. I wish I am 30; I wish I were 30.

I am not sure how to say the last part that I wish my age is 30, and I would like to say it it the present form. Are the options I have correct? Can the word were be used for the present? Also, if I used 'was' would that be in the past?
  

Top answer

Although it is currently changing to was , the traditionally correct form is were . It is one of the few vestiges we have of the subjunctive mood, which used to be quite common (expressing something that is contrary to fact).

— Philip

  • Although it is currently changing to was , the traditionally correct form is were .
  • It is one of the few vestiges we have of the subjunctive mood, which used to be quite common (expressing something that is contrary to fact).
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7 Answers
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Although it is currently changing to was, the traditionally correct form is were. It is one of the few vestiges we have of the subjunctive mood, which used to be quite common (expressing something that is contrary to fact).
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So both I wish I were and was are correct? Is now 'was' considered as the subjective mood for this instance?

And what about: I wish I am.. Would that be possible?
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AnonymousSo both I wish I were and was are correct? Is now 'was' considered as the subjective mood for this instance? No, it is commonly used instead of the subjunctive. And what about: I wish I am.. Would that be possible? No.
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The correct form is: I wish I were 30.

"Were" is the present tense, subjunctive mood for "be."
It does not change with person:

He wishes he were 30.
They all wish they were 30.
Do you really wish you were 30?
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So the only true correct on is the subjective 'were', and 'was' is now commonly used instead! Did I understand correctly?

Do suggest I use 'was'?
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I suggest that was is substandard, though others would disagree.
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AnonymousSo the only true correct on is the subjective 'were', and 'was' is now commonly used instead! Did I understand correctly?
Yes, Philip is correct. The subjunctive forms are falling away (albeit slowly).

There are some situations where "were" is still tenaciously hanging on:

I wish you were here. (present subjunctive).
I wish I wa
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