Subjunctive Mode
Are you old enough to remember the ad jingle, “I wish I were an Oscar Mayer wiener…”? Did you ever wonder about I were? This is an example of the Subjunctive Mode, which refers to the expression of a hypothetical, wishful, or imaginary thought. Sentences using wish and if usually indicate Subjunctive Mode and require using were as the to be verb form.

Examples:
If I were rich, I’d sail around the world.
He wishes he were in a position to give his employees raises.

When using Subjunctive Mode with verbs besides were, use the past tense or past perfect tense.

Examples:
I wish I had studied more for the test.
It would be better if you had brought the ice cream in a cooler.

Quiz

Correct the verbs in the following sentences as needed.

1. If I was stronger, I would have won that race.
2. I wish he was able to come to the party earlier.
3. If she were truly your friend, she wouldn’t talk behind your back.
4. I wish I practiced piano when I was younger.
5. If she went to the store on Saturday, she would have received a discount.

Quiz Answers

1. If I were stronger, I would have won that race.
2. I wish he were able to come to the party earlier.
3. If she were truly your friend, wouldn’t talk behind your back. (Correct)
4. I wish I had practiced piano when I was younger.
5. If she had gone to the store on Saturday, she would have received a discount.

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Word Play

If you jump off a Paris bridge, you are in Seine.

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