TextRanch

The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

Our experts

I wish I was never born vs I wish I were never born

Both phrases are correct, but they differ in terms of verb tense. 'I wish I was never born' uses the past simple tense, while 'I wish I were never born' uses the subjunctive mood. The second phrase is grammatically correct and more formal, but both phrases are commonly used in everyday speech.
Jennifer profile picture

Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: September 01, 2024

I wish I was never born

This phrase is commonly used in everyday speech, even though it uses the past simple tense instead of the subjunctive mood.

This phrase is used to express regret or a desire that one had never been born. It is informal and commonly used in spoken English.

Examples:

  • I wish I was never born so I wouldn't have to deal with all these problems.
  • She often says she wishes she was never born, but I think she's just feeling down.
  • He told me he wishes he was never born, and it broke my heart to hear him say that.
  • Do you ever wish you were never born?
  • I wish I was never born into this family sometimes.

Alternatives:

  • I wish I had never been born
  • I wish I never existed
  • I wish I had never come into this world
  • I wish I had never been brought into this life
  • I wish I had never been brought into existence

I wish I were never born

This phrase uses the subjunctive mood correctly, making it more formal and grammatically accurate.

This phrase is used to express regret or a desire that one had never been born. It is more formal and is often used in written English or in formal speech.

Examples:

  • I wish I were never born so I wouldn't have to deal with all these problems.
  • She often says she wishes she were never born, but I think she's just feeling down.
  • He told me he wishes he were never born, and it broke my heart to hear him say that.
  • Do you ever wish you were never born?
  • I wish I were never born into this family sometimes.

Alternatives:

  • I wish I had never been born
  • I wish I never existed
  • I wish I had never come into this world
  • I wish I had never been brought into this life
  • I wish I had never been brought into existence

Related Comparisons

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9TextRanch on TrustPilot).

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!