"I wish you stopped smoking" vs "I wish you had stopped smoking"

Question

"I wish you stopped smoking" vs "I wish you had stopped smoking"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "I wish you stopped smoking" is used to express a present desire for someone to stop smoking, while "I wish you had stopped smoking" is used to express a past regret that someone did not stop smoking. The choice between the two depends on the timing of the action in relation to the speaker's wish.

Last Updated: March 27, 2024

This phrase is used when the speaker wishes for someone to stop smoking in the present or future.

Examples:

I wish you stopped smoking. It's not good for your health.
I wish you stopped smoking before it's too late.
I wish you stopped smoking for your own well-being.
I wish you stopped smoking to improve your health.
I wish you stopped smoking to set a good example for your children.

Alternatives:

I hope you stop smoking.
I want you to stop smoking.
I would like you to stop smoking.
I desire for you to stop smoking.
I long for you to stop smoking.

This phrase is used when the speaker wishes that someone had stopped smoking in the past.

Examples:

I wish you had stopped smoking before your health deteriorated.
I wish you had stopped smoking when I first asked you to.
I wish you had stopped smoking when you had the chance.
I wish you had stopped smoking for your own good.
I wish you had stopped smoking to avoid these health issues.

Alternatives:

I wish you would have stopped smoking.
I wish you could have stopped smoking.
I wish you might have stopped smoking.
I wish you should have stopped smoking.
I wish you had ceased smoking.

Answer 1

I wish you stopped smoking

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a present desire for someone to stop smoking.

Answer 2

I wish you had stopped smoking

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a past regret that someone did not stop smoking.

"I wish you stopped smoking" vs "I wish you had stopped smoking"

I wish you stopped smoking

I wish you had stopped smoking

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