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What is the difference of meaning between the 2 expressions below which use the subjunctive?

  • I wish he didn't speak so loud.
  • I wish he wouldn't speak so loud.

I cannot see the difference between "I wish...[past simple]" and "I wish...would [verb in infinitive]".

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  • There's an incongruity in using a subjunctive-or-is-it together with a flat adverb. But there's no major difference in meaning between the two sentences; the second connotes displeasure more ('could do better'). Commented Jul 16, 2019 at 18:31
  • One describes a statement of current fact. The other expresses a wish of future action (along with the suggestion that he is capable of choosing to speak more quietly). Commented Jul 16, 2019 at 18:34
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    In American English, these two constructions are identical in meaning and popular in speech. Don't worry if that doesn't make sense; modality is notorious for being full of exceptions and contradictions, and not making sense. Commented Jul 16, 2019 at 18:49
  • Possible duplicate of ell.stackexchange.com/questions/80935/would-not-vs-did-not
    – Bella Swan
    Commented Jul 17, 2019 at 5:03
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    I think it's about the different usages the look-alike (a) "I wish he didn't shout" (He shouts, and I would prefer him not to) and (b) "I hope he didn't shout" (He was there, and he may have shouted, but I hope that wasn't the case) {for example} show. English verbs behave very idiosyncratically, and you just have to learn all their usages, I'm afraid. Commented Jan 20, 2020 at 16:45

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