We use past subjunctive (which looks almost exactly like past simple) to express unreal situations for the present. This way, the action is made indirect and effectively hypothetical. There's also no time-marker, so we never confuse past subjunctive with past simple. By saying "...you are here", you're stating a fact. However, you have started the sentence with "I wish..." which tells me an unreal situation must follow. So past subjunctive (were) is your only option. http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNjg2NTY=.html

Hello Isabella, It's called Grammar in English. When you use "wish" in any sentences, they are called: "Wish-sentences". And we have three types of them: 1. Wish-sentences in the future: S + wish (that) S + could/would + bare inf. 2. Wish-sentences at present: S + wish (that) + S + V (Past Simple tense) >>>>>> We use "WERE" with every "person". (Eg: I wish I were) 3. Wish-sentences in the past: S + wish (that) + S + V (Past Perfect tense) Well, I was taught like that. You should check out this site to know more about this: http://www.eslbase.com/grammar/wish Have fun! :)

This is called the subjunctive mood, and it is used when you are talking about a hypothetical situation. When you say "I wish you were here," you're imagining something that isn't happening, so you use the subjunctive. This site talks about the subjunctive in more detail and gives some examples and explanations: http://www.ceafinney.com/subjunctive/guide.html I hope this helps!

It's the rule. Learn it: I wish + past tense. It's no good arguing with the rule.

I wish you the best. I wish you were here to see this. If you were here, I'd hug you. I wish to see the manager. He wishes he lived in Paris. So, when the wish is used for something that is not so, something to be different, it seems the verb becomes more past than before. . I went to Paris last year. I wish he had come too.