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HKGARY

#362608 Wed, 09 May 07 06:25 PM

It is known that we never say "I wish I would ..." or "He wish he would "
But why?

HKGARY

Joined on Sat, May 5 2007

Hong Kong

New Member (20)

I wish I could be a lawyer sometimes.

Marius Hancu

#362611 Wed, 09 May 07 06:28 PM

Probably because it's assumed one has full control over his/her will.

But show more context.

Marius Hancu

Joined on Wed, Apr 26 2006

Montreal, Canada

Veteran Member (11,673)

Goodman

#362637 Wed, 09 May 07 07:59 PM

HKGARY wrote:
It is known that we never say "I wish I would ..." or "He wish he would "
But why?

Hi Gary,

In the first person case, "wish" and "would" don't usually work well. Other than "I", "I wish he/she /they would" is fine. Mind you, the "wish...would " context may be in the grey area of being "hypethetical" or "conditional".

Goodman

Joined on Mon, Nov 7 2005

Calif. USA

Senior Member (3,252)

The name says it all!

Conditionals

CalifJim

#362662 Wed, 09 May 07 10:11 PM

If the second I is non-agentive, it should work all right.

I wish I would get more presents on my birthdays!

CJ

CalifJim

Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004

California

Veteran Member (18,337)

"There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche