C1 Verb Moods 10 min read Hard

The English Subjunctive: 'I wish I were...'

Use were (not was) for I wish statements about unreal present situations.
Mark as Learned
Practice it

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'were' instead of 'was' after 'wish' to express impossible or hypothetical desires in the present.

  • Use 'were' for all subjects (I, he, she, it) in formal English: 'I wish I were taller.'
  • Backshift the tense: use the past form to talk about the present: 'I wish I knew.'
  • Don't use 'would' for yourself; use 'could' or 'were': 'I wish I could go' (not 'I wish I would go').
👤 + wish + 👤 + were + 💭

Overview

Use 'were' for things that are not true. Use it for dreams.

It signals to your audience that you are discussing an imagined reality rather than a factual one.

This helps you say what you want. It shows things are not real.

How This Grammar Works

'Were' means the story is not true. It is just in your head.
When you say, I wish I were taller, you are explicitly stating that you are not currently tall, but you desire to be.
This is not about the past. It is about right now.
Use 'were' for everyone. Use it for I, he, she, and it.
This word shows your feelings. It does not show the time.
Say 'If I were you.' You are not me. It is a dream.

Formation Pattern

1
Use 'wish' or 'if only' with 'were'. Use it for now.
2
1. Using 'I wish' for now.
3
Use this to want a different life.
4
Order: Person 1 + wish + Person 2 + were + describing words.
5
Subject₁: The person or thing doing the wishing.
6
Use 'wish' or 'wishes'. Use 'wishes' for he, she, or it.
7
Subject₂: The person or thing whose situation is the object of the wish. This can be the same as Subject₁ or different.
8
Always use 'were'. Use it for one person or many people.
9
Describing words: These words finish the sentence.
10
Examples:
11
I wish I were on vacation right now. (But I am not on vacation.)
12
She wishes her car were more reliable. (But it is not reliable.)
13
They wish it were Friday. (But it is not Friday.)
14
2. Using 'If only' for now.
15
'If only' is very strong. You really want things to change.
16
Order: If only + person + were + describing words.
17
'If only' shows you want a dream to be real.
18
Subject: The person or thing whose situation is the object of the wish.
19
Always use 'were' for things that are not true.
20
Describing words: These words tell us about the dream.
21
Examples:
22
If only I were a bit braver! (But I am not as brave as I'd like to be.)
23
If only the weather were warmer. (But it is not warm.)
24
If only he were here to help us. (But he is not here.)
25
Summary Table of Patterns:
26
| Ways to say it | Word order | Example |
27
| :---------------- | :------------------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------- |
28
| Wish | Person + wish + person + were | He wishes he were invisible. |
29
| If Only | If only + person + were | If only it were true! |
30
Always use 'were' for every person in these sentences.

When To Use It

Use 'were' for things that are not true now. It shows imagination.
1. Saying you want things to be different now:
This is very common. Use "I wish I were" for things that are not true. You want a different life now. You cannot change it yet.
  • I wish I were fluent in five languages. (You are not, but you desire this ability now.)
  • She wishes her job were less stressful. (Her job is currently stressful.)
  • We wish the meeting were over already. (The meeting is still ongoing.)
2. Talking about things that are not real:
Use "were" with "if" for dreams or fake stories. This shows the idea is not real now. It is just an idea.
  • If I were taller, I could reach that shelf. (The speaker is not tall, so cannot reach.)
  • If the economy were stronger, more jobs would be available. (The economy is not currently strong.)
  • Were I to accept the offer, my life would change significantly. (This is an inverted conditional, a more formal variant of If I were to accept..., indicating a hypothetical future action based on a present unreal condition.)
3. Providing Advice or Suggestions Based on a Hypothetical Position:
The phrase "If I were you" helps give advice. You are not the other person. You just imagine you are.
  • If I were you, I'd apply for that scholarship. (I am not you, but if I were in your position, this is what I would do.)
  • Were I in your shoes, I would reconsider. (A formal way of saying If I were in your shoes....)
4. Saying what you want for others:
You can say "I would rather you were." This means you want a person to change. You use it for your wishes.
This is a subtle nuance, as I'd rather you were is effectively I wish you were.

Common Mistakes

This rule is hard for many students. It uses "were" for one person. Learning this helps you speak very well.
1. Using "was" instead of "were" for one person:
This is a big mistake. Many people say "I was" or "he was." You must use "were" for wishes and dreams.
  • Incorrect: I wish I was taller.
  • Correct: I wish I were taller.
  • Incorrect: If she was here, she could help.
  • Correct: If she were here, she could help.
Why it is wrong: "Was" is for the real past. "Were" shows the idea is not real now. "If I were" is better for school. It means "this is not true."
2. Confusing Present Unreal Wishes with Past Unreal Wishes:
Do not use "were" for old wishes. For the past, use "had been." Use "were" only for now.
  • Incorrect: I wish I were at the concert last night. (The wish is about a past event.)
  • Correct: I wish I had been at the concert last night. (Expresses regret about a past, unfulfilled action/state.)
Contrast:
  • I wish I were there now. (Present unreality)
  • I wish I had been there yesterday. (Past unreality)
3. Using "were" for other action words:
Use "were" only for the word "be." For other words, use the simple past. For example, use "knew" or "had."
  • Incorrect: I wish I were spoke French.
  • Correct: I wish I spoke French. (Here, spoke is the simple past indicative, acting as a subjunctive equivalent for present unreal wish.)
  • Incorrect: He wishes he were lived in New York.
  • Correct: He wishes he lived in New York.
4. Using "were" for real things:
Not every "if" sentence needs "were." Use normal words for real things. Use "were" only for things that are not true.
  • Incorrect: If it were rains tomorrow, we will stay inside. (Rain is a real possibility, not unreal.)
  • Correct: If it rains tomorrow, we will stay inside.
List of common mistakes and how to fix them:
| Mistake | Wrong Example | Right Example | Why |
| :---------------------------- | :----------------------------------- | :------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------- |
| was for were | She wishes she was richer. | She wishes she were richer. | were signals present unreality, not past fact. |
| Past wish with were | I wish I were born earlier. | I wish I had been born earlier. | had been for wishes about the unchangeable past. |
| Other words | If I were knew. | If I knew. | Use "were" only for "be." |
| Real things | If he were arrives. | If he arrives. | Use normal words for real things. |

Real Conversations

The subjunctive were is a feature of sophisticated English that seamlessly integrates into both formal and informal communication, demonstrating clarity of thought and linguistic precision. It's not limited to archaic texts but thrives in modern discourse.

In casual dialogue and texting:

- Ugh, I wish I were still in bed right now. This Monday morning commute is brutal.

- She wishes her phone battery were always at 100%. Mine too!

- If only it were socially acceptable to wear pajamas to work.

- `

2. Negative Contractions

Full Form Contraction Usage
I wish I were not
I wish I weren't
Common in speech
He wishes he were not
He wishes he weren't
Common in speech

The Subjunctive 'To Be' after Wish

Subject Wish Verb Subjunctive 'To Be' Example
I
wish
were
I wish I were rich.
You
wish
were
You wish you were here.
He / She / It
wishes
were
She wishes she were taller.
We
wish
were
We wish we were younger.
They
wish
were
They wish they were home.

Meanings

A construction used to express a desire for a situation that is different from the current reality, often implying impossibility or a hypothetical state.

1

Hypothetical Present

Expressing a desire for a current state to be different.

“I wish I were more outgoing at parties.”

“She wishes she were able to help us.”

2

Formal/Literary Subjunctive

Using 'were' to maintain a high level of grammatical precision in academic or professional writing.

“The director wishes he were informed of such changes earlier.”

“One might wish the circumstances were different.”

3

Regret about Identity or Status

Wishing for a change in one's fundamental nature or current role.

“I wish I were a better person.”

“He wishes he were the CEO of this company.”

Reference Table

Reference table for The English Subjunctive: 'I wish I were...'
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subject + wish + Subject + were
I wish I were brave.
Negative
Subject + wish + Subject + were not
I wish I were not so shy.
Interrogative
Do/Does + Subject + wish + Subject + were...?
Do you wish you were faster?
Third Person
He/She wishes + Subject + were
He wishes he were a pilot.
With 'Could'
Subject + wish + Subject + could + verb
I wish I could swim.
With 'Would'
Subject + wish + Subject + would + verb
I wish it would stop raining.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
I wish I were in attendance at the gala.

I wish I were in attendance at the gala. (Social event)

Neutral
I wish I were at the party.

I wish I were at the party. (Social event)

Informal
I wish I was at the party.

I wish I was at the party. (Social event)

Slang
Wish I was there, fr.

Wish I was there, fr. (Social event)

The World of Wish

I Wish

Identity

  • I were a king I am not a king

Location

  • I were in Japan I am not in Japan

Ability

  • I could fly I cannot fly

Hope vs. Wish

Hope (Possible)
I hope I am right. Maybe I am right.
Wish (Impossible)
I wish I were right. I know I am wrong.

Choosing the Right Verb

1

Is it a real possibility?

YES
Use 'Hope'
NO
Use 'Wish'
2

Are you using the verb 'to be'?

YES
Use 'were'
NO
Use Past Simple
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

I want to be tall.

2

I want a new phone.

3

I want to go home.

4

I want to see you.

1

I wish I had a dog.

2

I wish I lived in London.

3

I wish I knew his name.

4

I wish I spoke English well.

1

I wish I was famous.

2

I wish it wasn't raining.

3

I wish I could fly.

4

I wish you were here.

1

I wish I were more confident.

2

I wish he were more helpful.

3

I wish it were possible to stay.

4

I wish I were not so tired.

1

I wish I were better equipped to handle this crisis.

2

She wishes she were not so reliant on her parents.

3

I wish the evidence were more conclusive.

4

I wish I were in a position to offer you the job.

1

I would that I were able to alleviate your suffering.

2

One might wish the world were a kinder place.

3

I wish it were not the case that we must part ways.

4

Were I to wish for anything, it would be that I were home.

Easily Confused

The English Subjunctive: 'I wish I were...' vs Wish vs. Hope

Learners use 'wish' for things that are actually possible.

The English Subjunctive: 'I wish I were...' vs Wish + Would

Learners use 'would' to talk about themselves.

The English Subjunctive: 'I wish I were...' vs Wish + Past Perfect

Learners use 'were' to talk about the past.

Common Mistakes

✗

I wish I am tall.

✓

I wish I were tall.

You cannot use the present tense after 'wish'.
✗

I wish I will have a car.

✓

I wish I had a car.

'Wish' requires a backshift to the past.
✗

I wish I was rich.

✓

I wish I were rich.

'Was' is informal; 'were' is the correct subjunctive form.
✗

I wish I would be taller.

✓

I wish I were taller.

Use 'would' for actions/habits of others, not for your own states of being.

Sentence Patterns

I wish I were ___.

I wish it were ___.

She wishes she were not so ___.

I wish the world were a ___ place.

Real World Usage

Job Interview occasional

I wish I were more experienced in Python, but I am a quick learner.

Texting a Friend very common

I wish I was there with you guys! Have fun!

Academic Essay common

One might wish the data were more representative of the population.

Dating Apps common

I wish I were taller, but I have a great personality!

Customer Support occasional

I wish I were able to give you a refund immediately, but I need manager approval.

Social Media Caption very common

Wish I were back in Bali 🌴

Sign up free to see all examples
🎯

The Beyoncé Rule

If you forget whether to use 'was' or 'were', just remember the song 'If I Were a Boy'. It's the same subjunctive rule!
⚠️

Don't use 'would' for yourself

Never say 'I wish I would be'. Use 'I wish I were' or 'I wish I could be'. 'Would' is for things you can't control, like the weather or other people.
💡

Formal vs. Informal

In an exam, always use 'were'. In a bar, 'was' is perfectly fine and might even sound more natural.
💬

Polite Rejections

Using 'I wish I were able to...' is a very polite way to say 'no' in a professional setting.

Smart Tips

Always use 'were' instead of 'was' to sound more professional and educated.

I wish I was able to attend. → I wish I were able to attend.

Switch from 'were' to 'would' to show that their behavior is annoying.

I wish he were quiet. → I wish he would be quiet!

Remember that 'wish' always pushes the tense one step into the past.

I wish I am there. → I wish I were there.

Use 'could' for abilities and 'were' for states of being.

I wish I were speak French. → I wish I could speak French.

Pronunciation

/wɜːr/

The 'were' stress

In 'I wish I were', the word 'were' is often slightly stressed to emphasize the hypothetical nature.

Falling intonation on 'were'

I wish I WERE ↘ taller.

Conveys a sense of disappointment or finality about the reality.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

W.E.R.E. = Wishful, Epic, Real-distance, Expression.

Visual Association

Imagine a 'Were-wolf'. A werewolf is a human who wishes they were a wolf (but they aren't always). The word 'were' is your bridge to the imaginary world.

Rhyme

When you wish for what is not, 'were' is the verb that you have got.

Story

A lonely office worker stares at a travel poster. He sighs and says, 'I wish I were there.' Suddenly, the 'were' acts like a magic portal, showing him a dream of a beach, but he remains in his chair because 'were' is only for dreams.

Word Web

werewishhypotheticalsubjunctiveunrealregretif only

Challenge

Write down three things you wish were different about your life right now using 'I wish I were...'.

Cultural Notes

British speakers tend to be slightly more formal with the subjunctive in writing than American speakers, though both use 'was' in speech.

Songs often use 'was' to sound more 'down to earth' or 'relatable', even when 'were' is grammatically expected.

In peer-reviewed journals, 'was' after 'wish' is almost never seen; 'were' is the absolute standard.

The subjunctive mood comes from the Proto-Indo-European optative and subjunctive moods, which merged in Germanic languages.

Conversation Starters

“

If you could change one thing about your past, what do you wish were different?

“

Do you wish you were living in a different country right now?

“

I wish I were a polyglot. What about you?

“

Do you ever wish the weekend were longer?

Journal Prompts

Write about a fictional character you admire. What do you wish were similar between you and them?
Describe your dream job. What do you wish were different about your current career path?
Reflect on the current state of the world. What do you wish were better?

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Choose the formal subjunctive form. Multiple Choice

I wish I ___ more time to finish this project.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: had
We use the past simple (had) to express a wish about the present.
Fill in the correct form of 'to be' (formal).

He wishes he ___ taller.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: were
In the formal subjunctive, 'were' is used for all subjects.
Correct the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

I wish I was in Paris right now.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I wish I were in Paris
'Were' is the correct formal subjunctive form.
Rewrite the sentence using 'wish'. Sentence Transformation

I am not rich. (I wish...)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I wish I were rich.
The transformation requires the subjunctive 'were'.
Match the situation to the wish. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-I wish it were sunny, 2-I wish I were rich, 3-I wish I could swim
Each wish corresponds to the opposite of the current reality.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Are you coming to the party? B: No, I have to work. I wish I ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: could
When wishing about an ability or possibility, 'could' is used.
Is the sentence Formal or Informal? Grammar Sorting

1. I wish I were you. 2. I wish I was you.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Formal, 2-Informal
'Were' is formal; 'was' is informal.
Put the words in order. Sentence Building

wish / I / were / I / younger

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I wish I were younger
The standard order is Subject + wish + Subject + were + Adjective.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Choose the formal subjunctive form. Multiple Choice

I wish I ___ more time to finish this project.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: had
We use the past simple (had) to express a wish about the present.
Fill in the correct form of 'to be' (formal).

He wishes he ___ taller.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: were
In the formal subjunctive, 'were' is used for all subjects.
Correct the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

I wish I was in Paris right now.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I wish I were in Paris
'Were' is the correct formal subjunctive form.
Rewrite the sentence using 'wish'. Sentence Transformation

I am not rich. (I wish...)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I wish I were rich.
The transformation requires the subjunctive 'were'.
Match the situation to the wish. Match Pairs

1. It's raining. 2. I'm poor. 3. I can't swim.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-I wish it were sunny, 2-I wish I were rich, 3-I wish I could swim
Each wish corresponds to the opposite of the current reality.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Are you coming to the party? B: No, I have to work. I wish I ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: could
When wishing about an ability or possibility, 'could' is used.
Is the sentence Formal or Informal? Grammar Sorting

1. I wish I were you. 2. I wish I was you.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Formal, 2-Informal
'Were' is formal; 'was' is informal.
Put the words in order. Sentence Building

wish / I / were / I / younger

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I wish I were younger
The standard order is Subject + wish + Subject + were + Adjective.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Choose the correct verb form. Fill in the Blank

She acts as if she ___ a queen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: were
Identify and correct the grammatical error. Error Correction

If I was rich, I would travel the world.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If I were rich, I would travel the world.
Select the grammatically correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I wish he were here.
Translate the sentence into English. Translation

Translate into English: 'Ojalá fuera verano ahora mismo.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["I wish it were summer right now."]
Unscramble the words to form a coherent sentence. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: They insisted that he be present.
Match the subject with the correct subjunctive 'to be' form for an unreal wish. Match Pairs

Match the subjects with the correct form:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Complete the sentence with the appropriate verb form. Fill in the Blank

The manager requested that all reports ___ submitted by Friday.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: be
Correct the mistake in this formal sentence. Error Correction

It is vital that he was informed of the changes.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It is vital that he be informed of the changes.
Which sentence correctly uses the subjunctive mood? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If she were here, she would help.
Translate the sentence, maintaining the formal tone. Translation

Translate into English: 'El comité exige que la decisión sea final.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["The committee demands that the decision be final."]
Fill in the blank with the appropriate subjunctive form. Fill in the Blank

Were I ___ aware of the consequences, I would have acted differently.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: to be
Which sentence is correctly structured for an unreal wish? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I wish he had been able to come yesterday.

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

In casual speech, no. Most native speakers use `was`. However, in formal writing and exams, `were` is expected.

Because it's not the past tense; it's the *subjunctive mood*. The subjunctive has its own rules that don't follow standard agreement.

Generally, no. Use `I wish I were` for states of being. Use `would` only for actions of others that annoy you.

`Hope` is for things that might happen. `Wish` is for things that are impossible or not true right now.

Yes! It's the exact same subjunctive 'were' used in the second conditional.

Use the past perfect: `I wish I had been there.` This rule ('were') is only for the present.

Yes, it's very common for expressing polite regret, like `I wish I were able to assist you further.`

In modern English, only the verb `to be` has a distinct subjunctive form (`were`). Other verbs just use their standard past tense form.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish high

Ojalá + imperfecto de subjuntivo

Spanish has many more subjunctive forms for different verbs, whereas English mostly uses 'were'.

French moderate

Si seulement + imparfait

French doesn't use the subjunctive mood for 'wish' in the same way; it uses the indicative imperfect.

German high

Konjunktiv II

German is more consistent in using the subjunctive for all verbs, not just 'to be'.

Japanese low

〜ばいいのに (~ba ii noni)

Japanese doesn't have a 'subjunctive mood' in the Western sense; it uses conditional structures.

Arabic moderate

لو (Law) or ليت (Layta)

Arabic uses specific particles to trigger the hypothetical meaning rather than just verb backshifting.

Chinese none

要是...就好了 (Yàoshi... jiù hǎole)

There is no verb conjugation or tense change in Chinese.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
The Subjunctive: Imaginary Worlds (If I were...)
Next
Mixed Conditionals: Past Action, Present Result

Learn These First

C1 Builds On

The Subjunctive: Imaginary Worlds (If I were...)

Overview The subjunctive mood in English serves a distinct purpose: to articulate conditions and outcomes that are **hyp...

Related Videos

Tesla Self-Driving vs 318 Curves 06:44

Tesla Self-Driving vs 318 Curves
Carrot Apple Pancakes | Food Wishes 05:57

Carrot Apple Pancakes | Food Wishes
Ten Years Later 08:51

Ten Years Later
Learn English Grammar: THE SUBJUNCTIVE – "I wish..." 5:43 YouTube

Learn English Grammar: THE SUBJUNCTIVE – "I wish..."

Adam’s English Lessons · engVid
The Subjunctive in English - Complete Advanced English Grammar Lesson 7:55 YouTube

The Subjunctive in English - Complete Advanced English Grammar Lesson

English with Lucy

Related Grammar Rules

B1

First Conditional: Unless = If Not

Overview In English grammar, **`unless`** serves as a crucial conjunction within conditional sentences, specifically al...
B1

Zero Conditional: Habits and Routines

Overview The Zero Conditional, when applied to habits and routines, is a grammatical structure you use to describe actio...
B1

Can: Expressing Ability (Can)

Overview **Can** serves as a fundamental modal verb in English, primarily articulating **ability** or **capacity**. At...
B2

Mixed Conditionals: Past Action, Present Result (Type 2)

Overview Mixed conditionals are a sophisticated feature of English grammar that allow you to connect hypothetical situat...
B2

Suppose & Supposing: The 'What If' Game

Overview In English grammar, `suppose` and `supposing` function as specialized conditional conjunctions that invite lis...
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!