Which one is correct: “wish I was here” or “wish I were here”?
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Possible Duplicate:
“If I was” or “If I were”. Which is more common, and which is correct?
Which one is the correct form: "Wish I was here" or "wish I were here"? I've heard both of them many times but I don't know which one is correct.
grammar subjunctive-mood
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:38
Community♦
1
asked Sep 5 '12 at 13:03
ImanIman
207125
|
show 3 more comments
Possible Duplicate:
“If I was” or “If I were”. Which is more common, and which is correct?
Which one is the correct form: "Wish I was here" or "wish I were here"? I've heard both of them many times but I don't know which one is correct.
grammar subjunctive-mood
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:38
Community♦
1
asked Sep 5 '12 at 13:03
ImanIman
207125
2
'Wish I were here' makes no logical sense. Do you mean you have heard "wish you were here"?
– Roaring Fish
Sep 5 '12 at 13:06
1
@RoaringFish: It does make sense. Dickens: "I wish I were going myself," said Charles Darnay, somewhat restlessly, and like one thinking aloud. Shakespeare: Sirrah, if thy captain knew I were here he would use me with estimation. George Eliot: "I wish I were like you." Emily Dickinson: I wish I were the hay! Charlotte Bronte: I wish I were in a quiet island with only you Bram Stoker: I wish I were safe out of it
– Hugo
Sep 5 '12 at 13:22
1
@Hugo~ think! If you wish you were here (and none of your examples say that...), then where are you? You can't be 'here' because then it would be real and not a wish. If you are not 'here', you don't exist...
– Roaring Fish
Sep 5 '12 at 13:26
1
@RoaringFish Yes, but that's not a grammatical problem: the usage is not incorrect. At best, it's absurd.
– MetaEd♦
Sep 5 '12 at 15:29
2
This is not the same question, and should not have been closed. Whether the verb wish governs the past subjunctive is utterly different from whether the conjunction if governs the subjunctive, be it past or present. These are not at all the same thing.
– tchrist♦
Oct 18 '12 at 17:44
|
show 3 more comments
Possible Duplicate:
“If I was” or “If I were”. Which is more common, and which is correct?
Which one is the correct form: "Wish I was here" or "wish I were here"? I've heard both of them many times but I don't know which one is correct.
grammar subjunctive-mood
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:38
Community♦
1
asked Sep 5 '12 at 13:03
ImanIman
207125
Possible Duplicate:
“If I was” or “If I were”. Which is more common, and which is correct?
Which one is the correct form: "Wish I was here" or "wish I were here"? I've heard both of them many times but I don't know which one is correct.
grammar subjunctive-mood
grammar subjunctive-mood
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:38
Community♦
1
asked Sep 5 '12 at 13:03
ImanIman
207125
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:38
Community♦
1
asked Sep 5 '12 at 13:03
ImanIman
207125
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:38
Community♦
1
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:38
Community♦
1
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:38
Community♦
1
1
asked Sep 5 '12 at 13:03
ImanIman
207125
asked Sep 5 '12 at 13:03
ImanIman
207125
asked Sep 5 '12 at 13:03
ImanIman
207125
207125
2
'Wish I were here' makes no logical sense. Do you mean you have heard "wish you were here"?
– Roaring Fish
Sep 5 '12 at 13:06
1
@RoaringFish: It does make sense. Dickens: "I wish I were going myself," said Charles Darnay, somewhat restlessly, and like one thinking aloud. Shakespeare: Sirrah, if thy captain knew I were here he would use me with estimation. George Eliot: "I wish I were like you." Emily Dickinson: I wish I were the hay! Charlotte Bronte: I wish I were in a quiet island with only you Bram Stoker: I wish I were safe out of it
– Hugo
Sep 5 '12 at 13:22
1
@Hugo~ think! If you wish you were here (and none of your examples say that...), then where are you? You can't be 'here' because then it would be real and not a wish. If you are not 'here', you don't exist...
– Roaring Fish
Sep 5 '12 at 13:26
1
@RoaringFish Yes, but that's not a grammatical problem: the usage is not incorrect. At best, it's absurd.
– MetaEd♦
Sep 5 '12 at 15:29
2
This is not the same question, and should not have been closed. Whether the verb wish governs the past subjunctive is utterly different from whether the conjunction if governs the subjunctive, be it past or present. These are not at all the same thing.
– tchrist♦
Oct 18 '12 at 17:44
|
show 3 more comments
2
'Wish I were here' makes no logical sense. Do you mean you have heard "wish you were here"?
– Roaring Fish
Sep 5 '12 at 13:06
1
@RoaringFish: It does make sense. Dickens: "I wish I were going myself," said Charles Darnay, somewhat restlessly, and like one thinking aloud. Shakespeare: Sirrah, if thy captain knew I were here he would use me with estimation. George Eliot: "I wish I were like you." Emily Dickinson: I wish I were the hay! Charlotte Bronte: I wish I were in a quiet island with only you Bram Stoker: I wish I were safe out of it
– Hugo
Sep 5 '12 at 13:22
1
@Hugo~ think! If you wish you were here (and none of your examples say that...), then where are you? You can't be 'here' because then it would be real and not a wish. If you are not 'here', you don't exist...
– Roaring Fish
Sep 5 '12 at 13:26
1
@RoaringFish Yes, but that's not a grammatical problem: the usage is not incorrect. At best, it's absurd.
– MetaEd♦
Sep 5 '12 at 15:29
2
This is not the same question, and should not have been closed. Whether the verb wish governs the past subjunctive is utterly different from whether the conjunction if governs the subjunctive, be it past or present. These are not at all the same thing.
– tchrist♦
Oct 18 '12 at 17:44
2
2
'Wish I were here' makes no logical sense. Do you mean you have heard "wish you were here"?
– Roaring Fish
Sep 5 '12 at 13:06
'Wish I were here' makes no logical sense. Do you mean you have heard "wish you were here"?
– Roaring Fish
Sep 5 '12 at 13:06
1
1
@RoaringFish: It does make sense. Dickens: "I wish I were going myself," said Charles Darnay, somewhat restlessly, and like one thinking aloud. Shakespeare: Sirrah, if thy captain knew I were here he would use me with estimation. George Eliot: "I wish I were like you." Emily Dickinson: I wish I were the hay! Charlotte Bronte: I wish I were in a quiet island with only you Bram Stoker: I wish I were safe out of it
– Hugo
Sep 5 '12 at 13:22
@RoaringFish: It does make sense. Dickens: "I wish I were going myself," said Charles Darnay, somewhat restlessly, and like one thinking aloud. Shakespeare: Sirrah, if thy captain knew I were here he would use me with estimation. George Eliot: "I wish I were like you." Emily Dickinson: I wish I were the hay! Charlotte Bronte: I wish I were in a quiet island with only you Bram Stoker: I wish I were safe out of it
– Hugo
Sep 5 '12 at 13:22
1
1
@Hugo~ think! If you wish you were here (and none of your examples say that...), then where are you? You can't be 'here' because then it would be real and not a wish. If you are not 'here', you don't exist...
– Roaring Fish
Sep 5 '12 at 13:26
@Hugo~ think! If you wish you were here (and none of your examples say that...), then where are you? You can't be 'here' because then it would be real and not a wish. If you are not 'here', you don't exist...
– Roaring Fish
Sep 5 '12 at 13:26
1
1
@RoaringFish Yes, but that's not a grammatical problem: the usage is not incorrect. At best, it's absurd.
– MetaEd♦
Sep 5 '12 at 15:29
@RoaringFish Yes, but that's not a grammatical problem: the usage is not incorrect. At best, it's absurd.
– MetaEd♦
Sep 5 '12 at 15:29
2
2
This is not the same question, and should not have been closed. Whether the verb wish governs the past subjunctive is utterly different from whether the conjunction if governs the subjunctive, be it past or present. These are not at all the same thing.
– tchrist♦
Oct 18 '12 at 17:44
This is not the same question, and should not have been closed. Whether the verb wish governs the past subjunctive is utterly different from whether the conjunction if governs the subjunctive, be it past or present. These are not at all the same thing.
– tchrist♦
Oct 18 '12 at 17:44
|
show 3 more comments
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
According to OALD, both forms are correct:
I wish I were taller.
I wish I was taller.
answered Sep 5 '12 at 13:20
GigiliGigili
3,105163372
add a comment |
The second example uses the subjunctive mood. I consider it more correct, but that is merely my opinion.
See usage at subjunctive in Oxford English Dictionary:
... if I were you; the report recommends that he face the tribunal; it is important that they be aware of the provisions of the act. These examples all contain a verb in the subjunctive mood. The subjunctive is used to express situations that are hypothetical or not yet realized and is typically used for what is imagined, hoped for, demanded, or expected. In English, the subjunctive mood is fairly uncommon (especially in comparison with other languages, such as Spanish), mainly because most of the functions of the subjunctive are covered by modal verbs such as might, could, and should. In fact, in English, the subjunctive is often indistinguishable from the ordinary indicative mood since its form in most contexts is identical. It is distinctive only in the third person singular, where the normal indicative -s ending is absent ( he face rather than he faces in the example above), and in the verb ‘to be’ ( I were rather than I was, and they be rather than they are in the examples above). In modern English, the subjunctive mood still exists but is regarded in many contexts as optional. Use of the subjunctive tends to convey a more formal tone, but there are few people who would regard its absence as actually wrong. Today, it survives mostly in fixed expressions, as in be that as it may; far be it from me; as it were; lest we forget; God help you; perish the thought; and come what may.
answered Sep 5 '12 at 13:14
AleksanderAleksander
1344
add a comment |
When you express a wish, it is recommended that you use the subjunctive mood. So, the sentence,
"I wish I were here" is grammatically more correct.
That said, "I wish I was here" would be acceptable because it's now acceptable to use "was" to talk about wishes.
edited 2 days ago
TrevorD
10.7k22458
answered Mar 7 at 15:41
MikeMike
12
add a comment |
"I wish" is future
"I was" is past
"I were" is present
I personally would say 'I wish I were here"
answered 2 days ago
Lynda FarrellLynda Farrell
1
New contributor
Lynda Farrell is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
please try to elaborate on the differences
– JJJ
2 days ago
1
Please note that this Q. dates from 2012 and already has several explanatory answers, some of which disagree with your answer. Also, please note that this site expects answers to be substantiated with references and fuller explanations, as explained in How do I write a good answer?.
– TrevorD
2 days ago
I also disagree with your answer: "I wish" is present tense - not future tense as you are suggesting. "I was" is past tense, as you rightly say. "were" is normally past tense, as in "We were at the seaside yesterday." - but here it is being used in the subjunctive mood as already explained in another answer. Actually, I agree with your conclusion that it should be "I wish I were here" - but not for the reasons you say. In fact, the phrase "I wish I were here" is nonsense - because obviously "I am here"; it should probably be "I wish I were there".
– TrevorD
2 days ago
@TrevorD - In the right context it could make perfect sense. "I wish I were here," said John pointing at the map.
– Jim
yesterday
@Jim If one were being very pedantic, one could argue - but I won't! - that, if John were pointing at the map, he should say "I wish I were there!"!
– TrevorD
yesterday
add a comment |
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4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
According to OALD, both forms are correct:
I wish I were taller.
I wish I was taller.
answered Sep 5 '12 at 13:20
GigiliGigili
3,105163372
add a comment |
According to OALD, both forms are correct:
I wish I were taller.
I wish I was taller.
answered Sep 5 '12 at 13:20
GigiliGigili
3,105163372
add a comment |
According to OALD, both forms are correct:
I wish I were taller.
I wish I was taller.
answered Sep 5 '12 at 13:20
GigiliGigili
3,105163372
According to OALD, both forms are correct:
I wish I were taller.
I wish I was taller.
answered Sep 5 '12 at 13:20
GigiliGigili
3,105163372
answered Sep 5 '12 at 13:20
GigiliGigili
3,105163372
answered Sep 5 '12 at 13:20
GigiliGigili
3,105163372
answered Sep 5 '12 at 13:20
GigiliGigili
3,105163372
3,105163372
add a comment |
add a comment |
The second example uses the subjunctive mood. I consider it more correct, but that is merely my opinion.
See usage at subjunctive in Oxford English Dictionary:
... if I were you; the report recommends that he face the tribunal; it is important that they be aware of the provisions of the act. These examples all contain a verb in the subjunctive mood. The subjunctive is used to express situations that are hypothetical or not yet realized and is typically used for what is imagined, hoped for, demanded, or expected. In English, the subjunctive mood is fairly uncommon (especially in comparison with other languages, such as Spanish), mainly because most of the functions of the subjunctive are covered by modal verbs such as might, could, and should. In fact, in English, the subjunctive is often indistinguishable from the ordinary indicative mood since its form in most contexts is identical. It is distinctive only in the third person singular, where the normal indicative -s ending is absent ( he face rather than he faces in the example above), and in the verb ‘to be’ ( I were rather than I was, and they be rather than they are in the examples above). In modern English, the subjunctive mood still exists but is regarded in many contexts as optional. Use of the subjunctive tends to convey a more formal tone, but there are few people who would regard its absence as actually wrong. Today, it survives mostly in fixed expressions, as in be that as it may; far be it from me; as it were; lest we forget; God help you; perish the thought; and come what may.
answered Sep 5 '12 at 13:14
AleksanderAleksander
1344
add a comment |
The second example uses the subjunctive mood. I consider it more correct, but that is merely my opinion.
See usage at subjunctive in Oxford English Dictionary:
... if I were you; the report recommends that he face the tribunal; it is important that they be aware of the provisions of the act. These examples all contain a verb in the subjunctive mood. The subjunctive is used to express situations that are hypothetical or not yet realized and is typically used for what is imagined, hoped for, demanded, or expected. In English, the subjunctive mood is fairly uncommon (especially in comparison with other languages, such as Spanish), mainly because most of the functions of the subjunctive are covered by modal verbs such as might, could, and should. In fact, in English, the subjunctive is often indistinguishable from the ordinary indicative mood since its form in most contexts is identical. It is distinctive only in the third person singular, where the normal indicative -s ending is absent ( he face rather than he faces in the example above), and in the verb ‘to be’ ( I were rather than I was, and they be rather than they are in the examples above). In modern English, the subjunctive mood still exists but is regarded in many contexts as optional. Use of the subjunctive tends to convey a more formal tone, but there are few people who would regard its absence as actually wrong. Today, it survives mostly in fixed expressions, as in be that as it may; far be it from me; as it were; lest we forget; God help you; perish the thought; and come what may.
answered Sep 5 '12 at 13:14
AleksanderAleksander
1344
add a comment |
The second example uses the subjunctive mood. I consider it more correct, but that is merely my opinion.
See usage at subjunctive in Oxford English Dictionary:
... if I were you; the report recommends that he face the tribunal; it is important that they be aware of the provisions of the act. These examples all contain a verb in the subjunctive mood. The subjunctive is used to express situations that are hypothetical or not yet realized and is typically used for what is imagined, hoped for, demanded, or expected. In English, the subjunctive mood is fairly uncommon (especially in comparison with other languages, such as Spanish), mainly because most of the functions of the subjunctive are covered by modal verbs such as might, could, and should. In fact, in English, the subjunctive is often indistinguishable from the ordinary indicative mood since its form in most contexts is identical. It is distinctive only in the third person singular, where the normal indicative -s ending is absent ( he face rather than he faces in the example above), and in the verb ‘to be’ ( I were rather than I was, and they be rather than they are in the examples above). In modern English, the subjunctive mood still exists but is regarded in many contexts as optional. Use of the subjunctive tends to convey a more formal tone, but there are few people who would regard its absence as actually wrong. Today, it survives mostly in fixed expressions, as in be that as it may; far be it from me; as it were; lest we forget; God help you; perish the thought; and come what may.
answered Sep 5 '12 at 13:14
AleksanderAleksander
1344
The second example uses the subjunctive mood. I consider it more correct, but that is merely my opinion.
See usage at subjunctive in Oxford English Dictionary:
... if I were you; the report recommends that he face the tribunal; it is important that they be aware of the provisions of the act. These examples all contain a verb in the subjunctive mood. The subjunctive is used to express situations that are hypothetical or not yet realized and is typically used for what is imagined, hoped for, demanded, or expected. In English, the subjunctive mood is fairly uncommon (especially in comparison with other languages, such as Spanish), mainly because most of the functions of the subjunctive are covered by modal verbs such as might, could, and should. In fact, in English, the subjunctive is often indistinguishable from the ordinary indicative mood since its form in most contexts is identical. It is distinctive only in the third person singular, where the normal indicative -s ending is absent ( he face rather than he faces in the example above), and in the verb ‘to be’ ( I were rather than I was, and they be rather than they are in the examples above). In modern English, the subjunctive mood still exists but is regarded in many contexts as optional. Use of the subjunctive tends to convey a more formal tone, but there are few people who would regard its absence as actually wrong. Today, it survives mostly in fixed expressions, as in be that as it may; far be it from me; as it were; lest we forget; God help you; perish the thought; and come what may.
answered Sep 5 '12 at 13:14
AleksanderAleksander
1344
answered Sep 5 '12 at 13:14
AleksanderAleksander
1344
answered Sep 5 '12 at 13:14
AleksanderAleksander
1344
answered Sep 5 '12 at 13:14
AleksanderAleksander
1344
1344
add a comment |
add a comment |
When you express a wish, it is recommended that you use the subjunctive mood. So, the sentence,
"I wish I were here" is grammatically more correct.
That said, "I wish I was here" would be acceptable because it's now acceptable to use "was" to talk about wishes.
edited 2 days ago
TrevorD
10.7k22458
answered Mar 7 at 15:41
MikeMike
12
add a comment |
When you express a wish, it is recommended that you use the subjunctive mood. So, the sentence,
"I wish I were here" is grammatically more correct.
That said, "I wish I was here" would be acceptable because it's now acceptable to use "was" to talk about wishes.
edited 2 days ago
TrevorD
10.7k22458
answered Mar 7 at 15:41
MikeMike
12
add a comment |
When you express a wish, it is recommended that you use the subjunctive mood. So, the sentence,
"I wish I were here" is grammatically more correct.
That said, "I wish I was here" would be acceptable because it's now acceptable to use "was" to talk about wishes.
edited 2 days ago
TrevorD
10.7k22458
answered Mar 7 at 15:41
MikeMike
12
When you express a wish, it is recommended that you use the subjunctive mood. So, the sentence,
"I wish I were here" is grammatically more correct.
That said, "I wish I was here" would be acceptable because it's now acceptable to use "was" to talk about wishes.
edited 2 days ago
TrevorD
10.7k22458
answered Mar 7 at 15:41
MikeMike
12
edited 2 days ago
TrevorD
10.7k22458
edited 2 days ago
TrevorD
10.7k22458
edited 2 days ago
TrevorD
10.7k22458
10.7k22458
answered Mar 7 at 15:41
MikeMike
12
answered Mar 7 at 15:41
MikeMike
12
answered Mar 7 at 15:41
MikeMike
12
12
add a comment |
add a comment |
"I wish" is future
"I was" is past
"I were" is present
I personally would say 'I wish I were here"
answered 2 days ago
Lynda FarrellLynda Farrell
1
New contributor
Lynda Farrell is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
please try to elaborate on the differences
– JJJ
2 days ago
1
Please note that this Q. dates from 2012 and already has several explanatory answers, some of which disagree with your answer. Also, please note that this site expects answers to be substantiated with references and fuller explanations, as explained in How do I write a good answer?.
– TrevorD
2 days ago
I also disagree with your answer: "I wish" is present tense - not future tense as you are suggesting. "I was" is past tense, as you rightly say. "were" is normally past tense, as in "We were at the seaside yesterday." - but here it is being used in the subjunctive mood as already explained in another answer. Actually, I agree with your conclusion that it should be "I wish I were here" - but not for the reasons you say. In fact, the phrase "I wish I were here" is nonsense - because obviously "I am here"; it should probably be "I wish I were there".
– TrevorD
2 days ago
@TrevorD - In the right context it could make perfect sense. "I wish I were here," said John pointing at the map.
– Jim
yesterday
@Jim If one were being very pedantic, one could argue - but I won't! - that, if John were pointing at the map, he should say "I wish I were there!"!
– TrevorD
yesterday
add a comment |
"I wish" is future
"I was" is past
"I were" is present
I personally would say 'I wish I were here"
answered 2 days ago
Lynda FarrellLynda Farrell
1
New contributor
Lynda Farrell is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
please try to elaborate on the differences
– JJJ
2 days ago
1
Please note that this Q. dates from 2012 and already has several explanatory answers, some of which disagree with your answer. Also, please note that this site expects answers to be substantiated with references and fuller explanations, as explained in How do I write a good answer?.
– TrevorD
2 days ago
I also disagree with your answer: "I wish" is present tense - not future tense as you are suggesting. "I was" is past tense, as you rightly say. "were" is normally past tense, as in "We were at the seaside yesterday." - but here it is being used in the subjunctive mood as already explained in another answer. Actually, I agree with your conclusion that it should be "I wish I were here" - but not for the reasons you say. In fact, the phrase "I wish I were here" is nonsense - because obviously "I am here"; it should probably be "I wish I were there".
– TrevorD
2 days ago
@TrevorD - In the right context it could make perfect sense. "I wish I were here," said John pointing at the map.
– Jim
yesterday
@Jim If one were being very pedantic, one could argue - but I won't! - that, if John were pointing at the map, he should say "I wish I were there!"!
– TrevorD
yesterday
add a comment |
"I wish" is future
"I was" is past
"I were" is present
I personally would say 'I wish I were here"
answered 2 days ago
Lynda FarrellLynda Farrell
1
New contributor
Lynda Farrell is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
"I wish" is future
"I was" is past
"I were" is present
I personally would say 'I wish I were here"
answered 2 days ago
Lynda FarrellLynda Farrell
1
New contributor
Lynda Farrell is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 2 days ago
Lynda FarrellLynda Farrell
1
New contributor
Lynda Farrell is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 2 days ago
Lynda FarrellLynda Farrell
1
answered 2 days ago
Lynda FarrellLynda Farrell
1
1
New contributor
Lynda Farrell is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Lynda Farrell is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Lynda Farrell is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
please try to elaborate on the differences
– JJJ
2 days ago
1
Please note that this Q. dates from 2012 and already has several explanatory answers, some of which disagree with your answer. Also, please note that this site expects answers to be substantiated with references and fuller explanations, as explained in How do I write a good answer?.
– TrevorD
2 days ago
I also disagree with your answer: "I wish" is present tense - not future tense as you are suggesting. "I was" is past tense, as you rightly say. "were" is normally past tense, as in "We were at the seaside yesterday." - but here it is being used in the subjunctive mood as already explained in another answer. Actually, I agree with your conclusion that it should be "I wish I were here" - but not for the reasons you say. In fact, the phrase "I wish I were here" is nonsense - because obviously "I am here"; it should probably be "I wish I were there".
– TrevorD
2 days ago
@TrevorD - In the right context it could make perfect sense. "I wish I were here," said John pointing at the map.
– Jim
yesterday
@Jim If one were being very pedantic, one could argue - but I won't! - that, if John were pointing at the map, he should say "I wish I were there!"!
– TrevorD
yesterday
add a comment |
please try to elaborate on the differences
– JJJ
2 days ago
1
Please note that this Q. dates from 2012 and already has several explanatory answers, some of which disagree with your answer. Also, please note that this site expects answers to be substantiated with references and fuller explanations, as explained in How do I write a good answer?.
– TrevorD
2 days ago
I also disagree with your answer: "I wish" is present tense - not future tense as you are suggesting. "I was" is past tense, as you rightly say. "were" is normally past tense, as in "We were at the seaside yesterday." - but here it is being used in the subjunctive mood as already explained in another answer. Actually, I agree with your conclusion that it should be "I wish I were here" - but not for the reasons you say. In fact, the phrase "I wish I were here" is nonsense - because obviously "I am here"; it should probably be "I wish I were there".
– TrevorD
2 days ago
@TrevorD - In the right context it could make perfect sense. "I wish I were here," said John pointing at the map.
– Jim
yesterday
@Jim If one were being very pedantic, one could argue - but I won't! - that, if John were pointing at the map, he should say "I wish I were there!"!
– TrevorD
yesterday
please try to elaborate on the differences
– JJJ
2 days ago
please try to elaborate on the differences
– JJJ
2 days ago
1
1
Please note that this Q. dates from 2012 and already has several explanatory answers, some of which disagree with your answer. Also, please note that this site expects answers to be substantiated with references and fuller explanations, as explained in How do I write a good answer?.
– TrevorD
2 days ago
Please note that this Q. dates from 2012 and already has several explanatory answers, some of which disagree with your answer. Also, please note that this site expects answers to be substantiated with references and fuller explanations, as explained in How do I write a good answer?.
– TrevorD
2 days ago
I also disagree with your answer: "I wish" is present tense - not future tense as you are suggesting. "I was" is past tense, as you rightly say. "were" is normally past tense, as in "We were at the seaside yesterday." - but here it is being used in the subjunctive mood as already explained in another answer. Actually, I agree with your conclusion that it should be "I wish I were here" - but not for the reasons you say. In fact, the phrase "I wish I were here" is nonsense - because obviously "I am here"; it should probably be "I wish I were there".
– TrevorD
2 days ago
I also disagree with your answer: "I wish" is present tense - not future tense as you are suggesting. "I was" is past tense, as you rightly say. "were" is normally past tense, as in "We were at the seaside yesterday." - but here it is being used in the subjunctive mood as already explained in another answer. Actually, I agree with your conclusion that it should be "I wish I were here" - but not for the reasons you say. In fact, the phrase "I wish I were here" is nonsense - because obviously "I am here"; it should probably be "I wish I were there".
– TrevorD
2 days ago
@TrevorD - In the right context it could make perfect sense. "I wish I were here," said John pointing at the map.
– Jim
yesterday
@TrevorD - In the right context it could make perfect sense. "I wish I were here," said John pointing at the map.
– Jim
yesterday
@Jim If one were being very pedantic, one could argue - but I won't! - that, if John were pointing at the map, he should say "I wish I were there!"!
– TrevorD
yesterday
@Jim If one were being very pedantic, one could argue - but I won't! - that, if John were pointing at the map, he should say "I wish I were there!"!
– TrevorD
yesterday
add a comment |
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2
'Wish I were here' makes no logical sense. Do you mean you have heard "wish you were here"?
– Roaring Fish
Sep 5 '12 at 13:06
1
@RoaringFish: It does make sense. Dickens: "I wish I were going myself," said Charles Darnay, somewhat restlessly, and like one thinking aloud. Shakespeare: Sirrah, if thy captain knew I were here he would use me with estimation. George Eliot: "I wish I were like you." Emily Dickinson: I wish I were the hay! Charlotte Bronte: I wish I were in a quiet island with only you Bram Stoker: I wish I were safe out of it
– Hugo
Sep 5 '12 at 13:22
1
@Hugo~ think! If you wish you were here (and none of your examples say that...), then where are you? You can't be 'here' because then it would be real and not a wish. If you are not 'here', you don't exist...
– Roaring Fish
Sep 5 '12 at 13:26
1
@RoaringFish Yes, but that's not a grammatical problem: the usage is not incorrect. At best, it's absurd.
– MetaEd♦
Sep 5 '12 at 15:29
2
This is not the same question, and should not have been closed. Whether the verb wish governs the past subjunctive is utterly different from whether the conjunction if governs the subjunctive, be it past or present. These are not at all the same thing.
– tchrist♦
Oct 18 '12 at 17:44