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Subjunctive Mood

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Patterns for Past Events

Positive Form

Subject + wish + subject + had + verb 3

Negative Form

Subject + wish + subject + had + not + verb 3

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Patterns for Present Events

Positive Form

Subject + wish + subject + verb 2

Negative Form

Subject + wish + subject + did not + verb 1

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Example: Past Event

Wish Statement

I wish there had been enough helmets for 30 students.

Real Fact

There were not enough helmets for 30 students.

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Another Example: Past Event

Wish Statement

I wish we had got skilled instructors.

Real Fact

We did not get skilled instructors.

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Expressing Regret: Should/Shouldn't Have

We use should/shouldn't have + past participle to recall regrettable past failures.

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Pattern

Subject + should have + past participle

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Example: Shouldn't Have

Regret Statement

I shouldn't have joined the camping program during the peak season.

Real Fact

I joined the camping program during the peak season.

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Example: Should Have

Regret Statement

I should have checked the description first.

Real Fact

I did not check the description first.