Subjunctive : Wish, If Only and Would Rather

Subjunctive is a sentence patterns that is used to express a strong hope. Basically, subjunctive tense in English can be divided into two:

a. Present Subjunctive
b. Unreal Past Tense (subjunctive)

In the present subjunctive, usually involves the power of GOD.

• God bless you!
• God forgive you!
• Heaven help us!

Contrary to Present situation:

S1 + wish(ed) + S2 + V2
If only + S + V2
S1 + would rather + S2 + V2

Fact : She is late.

• I wish she weren't late.
• If only she weren't late.
• I would rather she weren't late.

Fact : You do not go with her.

• I wish you went with her.
• If only you went with her.
• I would rather you went with her.

Contrary to Past situation:

S1 + wish(ed) + S2 + (had + V3)
If only + S + (had + V3)
S1 + would rather + S2 + (had + V3)

Fact : She was late.

• I wish she hadn't been late
• If only she hadn't been late
• I would rather she hadn't been late

Fact : He didn't know the answer.

• I wish he had known the answer.
• If only he had known the answer.
• I would rather he had known the answer.

Contrary to Future situation:

S1 + wish(ed) + S2 + (would + V1)
S1+ would rather + (would + V1)