Mary
Which is correct? "I hope it was a bit bigger" /"I hope it is a bit bigger" Question: "What are some improvements that can be made in the park in your area?" My answer: 'I hope it was a bit bigger. / I hope it is a bit bigger.' (which is correct??) Then it would be more spacious. And there would be more trees and flowers.
Oct 15, 2019 5:46 PM
Answers · 9
5
If you wanted to use "hope" you could say something like "I've always hoped that someday it would be expanded." However, making a park bigger wouldn't typically qualify as "an improvement". Changing the size of a park sounds much bigger than "an improvement". I wish it had better landscaping - perhaps you could add some trees and flowers. I wish it was better lit. Maybe you could put in some new playground equipment. It badly needs a bathroom.
October 15, 2019
3
I agree with Matthew -- the verb "hope" doesn't really make sense in this context. "Wish" is much better. If someone asks what improvements can be made, you can say "I wish it were a bit bigger." Another option is "I'd like it to be a bit bigger."
October 15, 2019
2
Hi Mary 'I hope it was a bit bigger it's correct but I'd personally write: "I wish it was a bit bigger" "I hope it could be a bit bigger"
October 15, 2019
Hope is about possibility, wish is about improbability. Since it is unlikely a park can be made bigger, 'wish' is more appropriate than 'hope' You can say (spoken) I wish it was somewhat/a little/a bit bigger. In writing you need to use the (shudder) subjunctive... I wish it were bigger. More easily 'If only it could be bigger...' A simple question, a simple sentence, at first glance, but in fact not so simple!
October 16, 2019
Hi! You may hear native english speakers say "I wish it was bigger." But that is technically incorrect. A person should actually say "I wish it were bigger". A slightly more polite answer to the question could be: "I would like it if the park were bigger/expanded."
October 15, 2019
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