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Radovan Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

I wish + past tense/would

Hi,

which sounds more natural, please?

a) I wish the local council stopped cars double-parking and blocking traffic.

b) I wish the local council would stop cars double-parking and blocking traffic.


I will probably never be sure when to you use "would" after "I wish". I am quite happy with the past tense there in all situations Emotion: smile

Thanks.

  

Top answer

After I wish / if only use the past subjunctive to refer to the moment at hand: I wish / If only I knew the right answer! (right now) I wish he were older! Would is sometimes used to refer to the future: I wish / If only it wouldn't rain tonight!

— Cool Breeze

  • After I wish / if only use the past subjunctive to refer to the moment at hand: I wish / If only I knew the right answer!
  • (right now) I wish he were older!
  • Would is sometimes used to refer to the future: I wish / If only it wouldn't rain tonight!
  • Since the local council will make decisions regarding double-parking in the future, sentence b) is better.
  • CB
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1 Answers
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After I wish / if only use the past subjunctive to refer to the moment at hand:

I wish / If only I knew the right answer! (right now)

I wish he were older!

Would is sometimes used to refer to the future:

I wish / If only it wouldn't rain tonight!

Since the local council will make decisions regarding double-parking in the

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