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Tamguatlay Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Run vs ran

Don't you wish that all transport systems run like clockwork.

l was told by a friend that 'ran' should be used. Is she correct?

Thanks.
  

Top answer

"Run" is correct. "Go/run like clockwork" is an idiom, it's mean to happen without difficulties or problems.

— Tuvu

  • "Run" is correct.
  • "Go/run like clockwork" is an idiom, it's mean to happen without difficulties or problems.
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4 Answers
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"Run" is correct. "Go/run like clockwork" is an idiom, it's mean to happen without difficulties or problems.
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tamguatlayDon't you wish that all transport systems run like clockwork.
I would use "ran" in this particular sentence.

It's hypothetical.
It's like, I would be happier if they all ran better. .

But: I will be happier when they all run better.

You could use "would run."
Don't you
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This may be to some extent a matter of personal preference, but I would definitely say ran. It's due to the verb wish, which occurs in phrases like these:

I wish I knew his name!
I wish I were rich!

If the reference is to the past, the pas perfect is used instead of the past subjunctive: I wish I had known
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Cool BreezeThis may be to some extent a matter of personal preference
Hi, CB.
I'm inclined to say that "Don't you wish that all transport systems run like clockwork?" is incorrect, but more by virtue of convention than grammar. But then, grammar is convention, I suppose.

I wish that they would works. I wish that they do
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