Wish

 

The use of the verb wish indicates that the speaker wants reality to be different. As in unreal conditionals, the use of a past or past perfect tense verb indicates that the situation is impossible or unlikely. 

 

Wish can also be used with would to express a desire that someone do something differently.

 

present

Glenn wishes Monica liked to hike. (but she doesn't)

Mary Nell wishes she were taller. (but she isn't)

MN wishes she weren’t so short. (but she is)

Leif wishes he could speak Japanese fluently. (but he can't)

I wish I had more money (=but I haven't)

She wishes she was/were beautiful (= but she's not)

We wish we could come to your party (but we can't)

past tense verb

 

BE = were

http://faculty.washington.edu/marynell/grammar/wish.html

http://www.edufind.com/english/grammar/IF10.cfm