http://www.englishforums.com/search/pro.htm?q=tag%3aSubjunctivesSearch results for 'tag:Subjunctives' matching tag 'Subjunctives'en-USXMOD (Build: 3607.32596)http://www.englishforums.com/English/HiAll/lplcz/post.htm#995682Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:23:29 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:995682mister micawber1-- 'have' is the only one I know of offhand, but many verbs are impossibly awkward in passive voice and are never used that way by native speakers. 2-- Many verbs can be both; I doubt a list exists. 3-- Aspects: simple, progressive, perfect. Moods: indicative, subjunctive, imperative. You can get full explanations and examples by doing a Google search of each phrase.http://www.englishforums.com/English/BeThat/lpwkv/post.htm#994953Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:59:29 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:994953michalsHi Del, Just remembered where I heard it: The script says: 'Don't mean to end up being bought by some clients of the University, be they the government, be they industry, be they organized labor, be they anyone!' Means you are right! Thanks a lot! Can you think of a context where some other person than 'they' can be used in that subjunctive phrase? Is the following possible? - Do you want me to get you a pet, be it a cat, a dog, or a turtle? Or should 'be they' be used again instead?http://www.englishforums.com/English/BeThat/lpwkv/post.htm#994923Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:29:56 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:994923delmobileI think what you heard was "be they." Always listen to your elders, be they wise or moronic. It's a form of the subjunctive that I think survives in this fixed expression; a grammarian would be able to explain this better than I can.http://www.englishforums.com/English/HavingRespectDevotionNatural-World/lpbln/post.htm#992956Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:33:24 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:992956avangiNo. Each adjective takes its own (different) preposition. When you switch to the verbals, you have new problems. They don't work in parallel. You have respect for X. You can devote the next four hours to homework. You can devote yourself to improving. You can be devoted to improving. (You can respect the world, but you can't devote the world.) "It" refers to the entire bolded participial phrase. I don't understand where you want to put the "they." The simple subject is "having," which is singular. You might suspect the verb "need" is plural, but it's actually subjunctive singular. "Money and power are intoxicating." (compound subject, plural verb) ...http://www.englishforums.com/English/IfItWas/lxpgx/post.htm#992086Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:30:51 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:992086grammar geekDon't worry - the number of people (native speakers) who say "If I was" instead of "If I were" is very high. If you said "It's the subjunctive, so you need 'were'" they would look at you as if you had two heads.http://www.englishforums.com/English/CanCould/lxzxn/post.htm#990401Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:20:49 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:990401old man gordonI like this question. It's really about nuance and subtle differences. In a very basic way, you can say that 'can' is stronger, based on actual facts. Could is based on opinion and theory. By definition, can is referring to the actual ability. When I say this, it means it is possible for me to do something (either because of my ability or circumstances). Could is the past tense of can, but in your sentence it is not a past tense verb. It is in the subjunctive mood. This means it is hypothetical, not actual. In your example, if someone makes a suggestion, and you respond "I could do that.", it means that it is a good suggestion. There may be some reason that you will not actually do it. ...http://www.englishforums.com/English/Subjunctive/lnjzz/post.htm#985300Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:31:09 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:985300avangiThe uses you quote are obsolete. I haven't heard them in the 73 years I've been around. Of course you'll find them in old books. "Is" is the correct term these days. (Personally, I've always liked the "be.") BTW, Welcome to English Forums, Debpriya De. Thanks for joining us. (You're not the only one who likes to read old books!)http://www.englishforums.com/English/Subjunctive/lnjzz/post.htmTue, 17 Nov 2009 06:17:52 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:985291debpriya de" If it be a sin to work hard then i am a sinner." Why do we use " be" instead of " is" in the sentence ? In mathematical problems why do we say "if x be a prime number and y be an odd number ".Why don't we say "if x is a prime number and y is an odd number."?http://www.englishforums.com/English/ThereBe/llhnn/post.htm#979748Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:57:35 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:979748philipIt's the subjunctive, used here in a case of necessity. It is important that you be at the hospital one hour before your scheduled surgery. The professor demanded that the reports be in his hands by Friday.http://www.englishforums.com/English/TheWineCup/lkjdh/post.htm#970627Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:45:57 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:970627califjimThe wine cup is the little silver well where truth, if truth there be , doth dwell . Get a man drunk if you want to know what he's really like. Shakespeare is picturing wine being served in a silver cup. well is metaphoric for anything deep from which something may be drawn up -- deep inside a person in this case. The truth about the person (the truth that dwells (lives) inside the person) may be "drawn up to the surface", i.e., revealed. There's nothing magical there. if truth there be is the old way (with present subjunctive) of saying if truth exists, if there is such a thing as truth . Following the metaphor, it could also mean "if there is anything about the person that is hidden and can be...http://www.englishforums.com/English/WerentWasnt/lkgkn/post.htm#969779Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:55:57 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:969779philipweren't subjunctive in contrary to facthttp://www.englishforums.com/English/ConditionalUnrealCorrect/ljjkl/post.htm#966107Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:32:19 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:966107gleb_chebrikoffDear friend, normally, the subjunctive were follows as if/as though : He spoke as if she were dead. However, the ordinary present tense is required where the emphasis is on truth rather than falsity : It's not as if he' s dishonest (= he is honest). It looks as though we' re landing (ie fasten your seatbelts). Respectfully, Gleb Chebrikoffhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/WishWish/lwmjj/post.htm#961843Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:33:04 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:961843yankeeI wish there were someone who knows what I mean when.. Actually, if I were you, I think I'd be just as concerned about the form of the other verbs in the sentence. I'd make them subjunctive as well. I would write the sentence this way: - I wish there were someone who knew what I meant when... Saying "I wish there were someone who knew" is not really much different from saying "I wish someone knew". As regards the was/were issue, the use of "were" would be the more formally correct word to use. However, in informal everyday English the word "was" is very often used instead, and it has also been gaining some grammatical respectability.http://www.englishforums.com/English/MayAndMight/lwzbd/post.htm#959546Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:56:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:959546mister micawberI see no real difference, as is often the case with these two verbs. I do notice that the subjunctive would be better than either: I pray that God give you....http://www.englishforums.com/English/NounClauseAndSubjunctive/lhmjr/post.htm#956750Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:47:22 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:956750califjimAre those correct? Yes. Is it called "subjunctive"? Yes. Do we use only with some expressions and verbs? Yes. Can I say: She does not insist that he talk to her boss. Yes. CJhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/NounClauseAndSubjunctive/lhmjr/post.htmFri, 30 Oct 2009 01:39:15 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:956743ewelinkaIt is recommended that she talk to her boss. The police officer demands that he open his suitcase. Are those correct? Is it called "subjunctive"? In what situation do we use it? Do we use only with some expressions and verbs like: recommend that, demand that, it is vital? Can I say: She does not insist that he talk to her boss. Thank you.http://www.englishforums.com/English/Subjunctives/lhkmp/post.htm#956737Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:26:30 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:956737sj88I will. But as of now, both your answers make sense. =)http://www.englishforums.com/English/Subjunctives/lhkmp/post.htm#956693Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:40:54 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:956693sj88I would agree with you, if not for the fact that I remembered Fowler saying something to the contrary. But that was quite long ago, so I cannot quite recall where I saw it. I believe he used an example that was similar, if not the same, as mine. Has anyone ever come across it?http://www.englishforums.com/English/Subjunctives/lhkmp/post.htm#956328Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:57:07 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:956328jemaasjrSorry people, yet another question! Please consider this: I think in general here you are dealing with eliptical constructions. That is, you are leaving words out to avoid being tedious with the obvious. Filling in the missing words, If it were to rain, then I would get wet. (no contention). If it were to rain, and if I was /were to forget my umbrella, then I would get wet. Which one is it (was or were)? Thanks so much! =)http://www.englishforums.com/English/Subjunctives/lhkmp/post.htmThu, 29 Oct 2009 14:23:17 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:956231sj88Sorry people, yet another question! Please consider this: If it were to rain, I would get wet. (no contention). If it were to rain, and I was/were to forget my umbrella, I would get wet. Which one is it (was or were)? Thanks so much! =)http://www.englishforums.com/English/Passive/qnkj/post.htm#955504Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:48:36 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:955504califjimI just want to point out the word "could" is indicative of the subjunctive mood Modal verbs don't have tenses and moods in the way that other verbs do. could certainly acts like a past subjunctive in If I could help you, I would. but could , like several other modals, can act in other ways as well, including as a conditional or a simple past. CJhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/Wasorwere/lgpdx/post.htm#953029Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:36:57 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:953029philipThe only time you would use "I were" is with the subjunctive, contrary to fact. "I wish I were with you right now".http://www.englishforums.com/English/SubjunctiveClause/lghcc/post.htm#950674Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:56:21 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:950674anonymousIt would helpful to use those words in a sentence: (1) If I WERE the president (of course, I AM not), I WOULD always be serious, honest, and conscientious. (2) If I WAS rude yesterday (perhaps I WAS), I now wish to apologize to you.http://www.englishforums.com/English/SubjunctiveClause/lghcc/post.htm#950460Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:37:44 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:950460cool breezeThe official past subjenctive of be is were in all grammatical persons. However, in informal style was is common in 1st and 3rd person singular. CBhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/SubjunctiveClause/lghcc/post.htmFri, 23 Oct 2009 01:34:54 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:950268anonymouswhy is it if I were instead if I washttp://www.englishforums.com/English/ThePerfectFormSubjunctive-Mood/wmbjg/post.htm#948748Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:09:56 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:948748anonymousI meant this: If the train had already left, we should/would have taken the next train.http://www.englishforums.com/English/WouldHaveVppOrWouldV/jjkcv/post.htm#948646Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:29:10 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:948646anonymousHere's how it should be: Jackson would have celebrated his fiftieth birthday this August if he were alive . Jackson would have celebrated his fiftieth birthday this August if he had not died earlier this year . There are a few different ways. The protasis (if part) is in present time and contrary to fact whereas the apodasis (then part) is in the past. It all depends when this was written, too. It could read this since it was written in June: Jackson would celebrate his fiftieth birthday this August if he were still alive . Jackson would celebrate his fiftieth birthday this August if he had not died . Jackson would be celebrating his fiftieth birthday this August if he had not died . Jackson...http://www.englishforums.com/English/Tense/jzmkp/post.htm#948637Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:14:57 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:948637anonymous"If you knew what I had gone through, you would surely pity me." Don't listen to these people. You can change it to "have" because only the first verb has to be in the subjunctive mood. The verb "knew" is not in the simple past indicative; it's in the simple past subjunctive. Fowler tells us that English does not have to have verb agreement with other verbs in subordinate clauses; therefore you can say: If you knew , you would surely pity me. The subordinate clause is bracketed so that you know what I'm talking about. This is not contrary to fact. You HAVE gone through a lot of ***. There is nothing wrong, though, with keeping it in the past—at least according to Fowler....http://www.englishforums.com/English/ThePerfectFormSubjunctive-Mood/wmbjg/post.htm#948634Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:01:42 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:948634anonymousIt can be put in present perfect and past perfect using "if" like this: If the train have already left , we shall/will take the next train. (formal present perfect subjunctive) If the train had already left , we should/would take the next train. (formal past perfect subjunctive) You can substitute the modal "should" between "train" and "have" to read like this: If the train should have already left , we shall/will take the next train. Should the train have already left , we shall/will take the next train. If you conjugate "to have" in the present indicative as "the train has", this is considered an informal condition or it means something...http://www.englishforums.com/English/WouldCouldSubjunctiveMoodFuture-Tense/lznkb/post.htm#947766Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:10:11 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:947766califjimWhy should we use 'would' ,'could' in the subjunctive mood and in the future tense? would and could , along with several other verbs, are called modal verbs. The modal verbs don't really have tenses, so you can't really use would and could (or the other modals) in the subjunctive mood or in the future tense. However, these two are often used in conditional sentences to signify consequent actions taken on the basis of other hypothetical (envisioned) actions. You have a good example of this in your list: If I were you, I wouldn't do that. The envisioned situation is "I am you". (We know it's false, but we imagine it.) The envisioned consequence is "I won't do that". To show that...http://www.englishforums.com/English/WouldCouldSubjunctiveMoodFuture-Tense/lznkb/post.htm#947625Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:51:33 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:947625mister micawberThe subjunctive is used for hypothetical situations of varying possibility. - I'd love to do it. ( if you let me ) - We could, we would. ( if + condition ) - How could I forget you? You're the only one I know. ( It is not possible ) - If I were you, I wouldn't do that. ( I am not you ) - I really would appreciate it. ( if you do it )http://www.englishforums.com/English/WouldCouldSubjunctiveMoodFuture-Tense/lznkb/post.htmMon, 19 Oct 2009 16:05:58 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:947224hannah89Why should we use 'would' ,'could' in the subjunctive mood and in the future tense? It's very confusing. Please make it simple and help me understand. for example, - I'd love to do it. - We could, we would. - How could I forget you? You're the only one I know. - If I were you, I wouldn't do that. - I really would appreciate it.http://www.englishforums.com/English/WasWere/lzjlj/post.htm#946120Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:00:50 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:946120dokterjokkebrokHi There's no need for confusion. It's very simple. Normally we say: I was you were he/she/it was we were you were they were But Beyonce sings ' if I were a boy...'. --> What she sings is also correct. If I were president, I'd change everything. If I were a bit taller, I'd be able to look over the fence. If we have the word ' if' in a sentence, most people change 'was' into ' were'. This is called the subjunctive . (This also means that it's not completely incorrect to use 'was' in this case; most people simply prefer ' were '). Especially American people find this form more correct. (But only in a sentence with 'if' ) Because...http://www.englishforums.com/English/WasWere/lzjlj/post.htm#946101Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:35:57 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:946101anonymousIn choice English, it is preferable to say "I were" when you are talking about something that is not true: If I were handsome (I'm not); If I were the president (of course, I'm not); If this were the year 1930 (it's actually 2009). You will hear native speakers say "I was" in this kind of sentence because (a) they did not learn the "correct" way or (b) they do not want to use it. P.S. It's called the subjunctive.http://www.englishforums.com/English/Grammar/lzhnv/post.htm#945834Sun, 18 Oct 2009 08:44:02 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:945834cool breezeNow if I look up "are," the dictionary tells me that it is the present plural of "be." But what I would expect is that it would tell me that it is the present plural of "am" or "is" because those are the verbs I actually use if I want the singular of "are." MM has given you agood answer; I'll just elaborate a little. It is obvious that you have never been taught the forms of to be and how to use them. (It's never too late to start! ) Are can be singular or plural, by the way. A. the full/complete infinitive: I want to be here. Used after many verbs such as want, expect, desire etc. Also used after adjectives and there are other uses. B. the plain/bare infinitive =...http://www.englishforums.com/English/Question/lzhwl/post.htm#945503Sat, 17 Oct 2009 23:15:15 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:945503pleasehelpI found it! It's called: Hyperusage The subjunctive has sometimes been used simply as a conditioned variant that follows "if" and similar words even in the absence of a hypothetical situation. Johnny asked me if I were afraid. (Barbara in Night of the Living Dead (1968)) In the hypercorrection example quoted, "if" is a substitute for the unambiguous word "whether" ("Johnny asked me whether I was afraid"), and lacks the usual, "in the event that" meaning that it has in other usage such as "If we go to bed now, we will be up at three o'clock".http://www.englishforums.com/English/Question/lzhwl/post.htm#945497Sat, 17 Oct 2009 22:58:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:945497pleasehelpSo just because a sentence includes an 'if' doesn't mean it's always a subjunctive mood.http://www.englishforums.com/English/SubjunctiveMoodInEnglish/2/qdwj/Post.htm#944437Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:03:18 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:944437anonymousepistemic deals with acquiring knowledge "epistemology" and metaphysical is beyond the physical so ethereal ghostlyhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/Grammar/lzcnx/post.htm#944150Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:53:18 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:944150anonymous(1) If I WERE rich (I am not), I WOULD/COULD/MIGHT buy you a new car. "Were" is called the subjunctive (something that is in my mind. Not a reality). (2) If I WAS rich, I WOULD buy you a car. = used by many native speakers because (a) they did not learn the "correct" form or (b) they don't want to use it. BE CAREFUL: Use this only for the present or future. If Mona says: "You were very rude to me yesterday," you should answer: "Oh, if I WAS rude yesterday (it was possible), I wish to apologize."http://www.englishforums.com/English/WhatsRule/vcwm/post.htm#943301Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:16:57 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:943301anonymousBeing from another planet (technically the moon), the above situation does not apply to me. However, during a conversation with an Earthling cat, I encountered an example of the subjunctive mood. Since from what I understand, an Earthling cat would never ever want to be a dog, the situation qualifies as a "ha, ha, that's impossible" situation. FYI, here is a record of my conversation: I hope this has further clarified the debate. Since English is so difficult for Earthlings to master, pity the poor moon inhabitant! Best wishes, Zenhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/ConditionalSentences/lvkjm/post.htm#942022Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:29:11 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:942022philipI agree with Ivan's analysis except: the second sentence is an example of a common error, even among natives. The third sentence is correct. The question is was/were usage with the subjunctive. Were is needed here because it is an example of the "contrary to fact" rule which requires the subjunctive.http://www.englishforums.com/English/Tenses/lvwqh/post.htm#941051Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:00:02 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:941051cool breezeHad is a past subjunctive in your sentence. For a continuous or progressive tense as they are also called, you always need the present participle, i.e. a verb ending ing: I am hav ing dinner at the moment. He was read ing a book when I called him. I have been read ing this book for a week now. The last sentence has a present perfect continuous tense. CBhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/TheUseOfCome/lvhkp/post.htm#940639Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:27:45 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:940639yankeeHi Tom Can I use it in everyday conversation? I'd say it's sometimes used in everyday conversation. Is the use of come natural in the given sentence?... I will invite you to dinner come December. I'd say that would be possible, but only if the reason for the choice of December in particular is already known to both people in the conversation. In other words, the context is very important. For example, if in the broader context the speaker had already mentioned that, as of December, he will no longer be putting in the excessive hours he is doing now at work -- i.e. if it had already been mentioned that the speaker expects to have more time available to do things other than work. If the reason for the choice of Decemebr is...http://www.englishforums.com/English/BasicQuestionDifference/ldqdc/post.htm#938166Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:25:24 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:938166grammar geekHi p0101 and welcome to English Forums. "Were" is the past tense of "are." I am I was You are You were He is He was We are We were They are They were Sometimes we use something called the subjunctive. Usually that's with an "if." If were you, if Henry were going. If you see a normal sentence as "Henry were there," it is incorrect.http://www.englishforums.com/English/UseOfTheWordIf/ldpmr/post.htm#938022Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:13:24 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:938022philip1. were is correct for all persons. It is the subjunctive used in a situation that is contrary to fact. 2. If I had done/I wouldn't have been Your first example is a common error, even among native speakers. The last example is just too much verb. Please read the thread beginning at Why be anonymous? .http://www.englishforums.com/English/ShouldShouldnt/lcmgn/post.htm#935440Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:45:46 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:935440califjim... why can't we put it after It's a pity as a subject (subjunctive?) clause to say the party would have been enjoyable if you attended, which is advisable? No. The meaning doesn't come across the way you envision it. Once you have the emotional reaction phrase "It's a pity", the word should in the following clause merely gives a subjunctive-like feel to the sentence without introducing the meaning of advisability. The reason is that it doesn't really make sense to say that it's a pity that something is advisable. Why would we feel it a pity that we believe it is advisable to do something? 1. You should have attended the concert. = I believe you acted foolishly by not attending the concert. (I think...http://www.englishforums.com/English/IAlsoWantThat/lcrkh/post.htm#929073Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:04:32 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:929073anonymousAbil, native speakers NEVER use a that-clause after "want." You should say, "I want you to become more attentive." In fact, perhaps it might be better to say "to be" more attentive. Native speakers do, however, say (in formal speech), I demand, order, insist, advise, ask, command, request THAT you be more attentive. This is called the subjunctive. If you post a question requesting more information about the subjunctive, a senior or veteran member will advise you further.http://www.englishforums.com/English/InNextDecadeEffectiveEarlyTreatment-WouldGiveSymptoms/lrgcg/post.htm#923623Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:21:03 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:923623avangiI would use "is" with the subjunctive.http://www.englishforums.com/English/WhichGrammaticallyCorrect/lrlpx/post.htm#922182Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:43:32 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:922182anonymousPerfect, grammar book- English = I wish I WERE there. You are NOT there. You are only wishing. Use subjunctive WERE; Good, conversational English (even used in writing by some educated people) = I wish I WAS there.http://www.englishforums.com/English/TheWorldBehold/lrdhj/post.htm#919858Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:51:16 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:919858mister micawberNo. The phrase is an old bit of subjunctive: God save the world!