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Kevin X Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Using subjunctives

Hi guys,

I have seen people arguing about the following question:

I wish I _____ your advice, but I didn't pay attention to you at that time.

(A) could take (B) had taken

Could anyone (especially native speakers) please tell me which one you would consider standard?

Thanks a lot!
  

Top answer

Kevin X Hi guys, It's not about subjunctives . I have seen people arguing about the following question: I wish I __ your advice, but I didn't pay attention to you at that time. (A) could take (B) had taken Without special context, only B is correct.

— Canadian45

  • Kevin X Hi guys, It's not about subjunctives .
  • I have seen people arguing about the following question: I wish I __ your advice, but I didn't pay attention to you at that time.
  • (A) could take (B) had taken Without special context, only B is correct.
  • Could anyone (especially native speakers) please tell me which one you would consider standard?
  • Thanks a lot!
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4 Answers
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Kevin XHi guys,
It's not about subjunctives.
I have seen people arguing about the following question:

I wish I __ your advice, but I didn't pay attention to you at that time.
(A) could take (B) had taken
Without special context, only B is correct.
Could anyone (especially native speakers) please tell me which one you w
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B, because it has the same viewpoint in time (past) that the second clause has.

A suggests taking the advice at some time in the future, which doesn't go with the information given in the second clause at all.

CJ
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Kevin XHi guys, I have seen people arguing about the following question:
I wish I __ your advice, but I didn't pay attention to you at that time.

(A) could take

(Thanks a lot!
(A) would work in the following special context.

Person C) Take my advice and do exactly what I told you guys a week ago. Trust me; you won't regret it.
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canadian45special context
Yes. That works, too. Frosting on the cake. Emotion: smile

CJ
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