Subjunctive--should this be?

Question

I've always wished I get a personal phone number.Since this is the verb wish, shouldn't the verb get be in the past subjunctive form?I've always wished I got a personal phone number.Thank you

Cool Breeze · Accepted Answer

In Helsinki English

we would say:
I've always wished I had [got] a personal phone number.
CB

Yankee · Answer

Hi English 1b3

You're right. The word "get" doesn't work in your sentence. Depending on the situation, you could use any of these:

- I've always wished I could get a personal phone number.
- I've always wished I had a personal phone number.
- I've always wished I had gotten a personal phone number.

The meanings of those three sentences are all different, so we would need to know the broader context to say which would be appropriate.

English 1b3 · Answer

- I've always wished I could get a personal phone number.

- I've always wished I had a personal phone number.

- I've always wished I had gotten a personal phone number

Hi, again

But am I right in saying that it should be subjunctive?

Therefore, isn't my alternative correct, along with your second two?

Thanks

CalifJim · Answer

English 1b3But am I right in saying that it should be subjunctive?

The past subjunctive is used in some patterns with wish. That's true. But, except for the use of were instead of was, the past subjunctive is indistinguishable from the corresponding indicative form.

That aside, it's not the past subjunctive (or indicative) got that is the problem. It's the grammar of wish, which operates differently depending on the verb in the following clause.

In short, a verb like get, which occupies only a point in time -- not a period of time -- cannot be used in the past (subjunctive or indicative) after wish.

The following are therefore not used:

*I wish they died.
*I wish Tom won the race.
*I wish I got a letter from her.
*I've always wished that the fence fell.
*I've always wished that he gave me another chance.

Use would die or had died instead. Used would win or had won instead. Use would get or had got(ten) instead. And so on, depending on whether you have a wish for the future (would form) or a regret about a past that never materialized (past perfect form).

With verbs that present a situation that occupies a period of time, you can use the past (subjunctive) (with a present time meaning) after wish.

I wish I knew the answer.
I've always wished she were taller.
I wish I had a ticket to that game.
I wish we belonged to more social clubs.
I've always wished that I owned a big house.

CJ

Edit: Re: Amy's reply, below.

I've always wished I got a nickel for each correction.

I did consider that interpretation, but I think that usage is comparatively rare, and I don't think it works well without an adverbial addition that clarifies the habitual nature of the statement. In Amy's sentence, for example, I think that for each correction is the adverbial that "saves" the structure. Without the adverbial phrase, I would find the sentence difficult to interpret.

CJ

Yankee · Answer

Hi English 1b3

If you used "got" in your sentence, it would have to carry a present meaning (the "habitual" present). As I see it, the refererence would have to be to a wish to be able to get a personal phone number repeatedly or regularly. In other words, you would in essence have wished for the receipt of many personal phone numbers.

Compare the way you want to use "got" to this:

I am an English teacher. I have to correct a lot of grammar errors every day. I've always wished I got a nickel for each correction. I would be a rich woman if I got a nickel every time I corrected someone's grammar.

EDIT:
I didn't see CJ's post before I posted this. So, just consider my post to be additional input.

English 1b3 · Answer

The past subjunctive is used in some patterns with wish. That's true. But, except for the use of were instead of was, the past subjunctive is indistinguishable from the corresponding indicative form.

I understand that it is indistinguishable, but shouldn't the past subjunctive still be used--which is 'got', not 'get'--which is present tense?

Or is the present tense used (even though it would normally be the past subjunctive)--just because of the verb wish unallowing the next verb to be in the past tense?

CalifJim · Answer

Yankeeconsider my post to be additional input.

Yes. I'm glad you brought up the habitual interpretation because I was on the fence as to whether I should include it. I added an edit on my post about it. Maybe you would like to comment on it further.

CJ

CalifJim · Answer

English 1b3Or is the present tense used (even though it would normally be the past subjunctive)--just because of the verb wish unallowing the next verb to be in the past tense?

What???

No. I thought that was clear from my examples. None of my examples use the present tense after wish, either indicative or subjunctive. You cannot use any kind of present tense after wish.

If you want to use the present tense, you have to change the verb to hope.

I wish you were here. / I hope he is here. (And not I hope he be here. If you're going in that direction, stifle it!

)

CJ

English 1b3 · Answer

I think this answers my last question I asked. Thanks.

With verbs that present a situation that occupies a period of time, you can use the past (subjunctive) (with a present time meaning) after wish.

I wish I knew the answer.

I've always wished she were taller.

I wish I had a ticket to that game.

I wish we belonged to more social clubs.

I've always wished that I owned a big house.

English 1b3 · Answer

Sorry, I re-read your post, and now understand.

Wish requires the past subjunctive, but verbs that express a point in time cannot be used after wish. All other verbs after wish can be used and require the past subjunctive.

Thanks. Your knowledge and clear explanations are of great help.

Subjunctive--should this be?

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