[vil]

Hi Soup,

Thank you for your extensive review of the problematic for me matter in question. Thank you also for the very helpful link concerning the theme “the unreal past”.

Following your wise advice about phrasing my annoyance at what I see, or hear, using I wish following by an objection clause containing would + infinitive I adduce some examples bellow. As added effect I supplemented one sentence to account for my feeling annoyed.

1. Peter was furious when he heard what you’d said about his moustache.
I wish he would learn to see a joke. He is always losing his temper about nothing.

2. Here I am! We’ve had a jolly time playing hockey! What’s up? Why are you looking at me in such a way?
I wish you would wipe your feet on the door-mat when you come in! You are always bringing a lot of mud on your boots!

3. To my mind we are not being taught properly. Our teachers methods are absolutely out-of-date.
I wish you wouldn’t put on airs! Who are you to criticize your elders?

4. If I were you, I shouldn’t bother about helping Betty with her intonation. She has no ear.
I wish you wouldn’t poke your nose into what doesn’t concern you. It’s awfully annoying.

Thank you also for your backing.

Regards.

V.