Emma
Is it the same to say "I wish you were by my side" and 'I wish you would be by my side" ?
Sep 2, 2014 9:20 PM
Answers · 3
2
Not exactly. You use the simple conditional form to express your desire for something to be different to how it is. The other person is far away from you, so you say 'I wish you were by my side'. The implication here is that it's not possible, for some external reason. We use the form 'I wish you WOULD..' for situations which are entirely within the other person's control. We often use this when we are dissatisfied with the other person's behaviour. I wish you wouldn't criticise me. I wish you wouldn't look at other girls. I wish you would give me flowers sometimes. and so on!
September 2, 2014
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