Which tense is correct: Was or Were [duplicate]

Question

Which is correct?

I wish everything was as easy OR I wish everything were as easy

In writing and formal speech, wish takes the past subjunctive. — tchrist, Commented Sep 16, 2018 at 18:51

VictoriaJen · Accepted Answer · 2018-09-16 18:25:47Z

-1

"Everything" is singular, so you should use the singular form "was".

I wish everything was as easy.

answered Sep 16, 2018 at 18:25

VictoriaJen

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CocoPop · Accepted Answer · 2018-09-16 18:27:42Z

-1

Everything is treated as a singular noun. In fact, any noun phrase that contains every is singular.

Every student has three books.

On a cruise, every day is filled with fun.

answered Sep 16, 2018 at 18:27

CocoPop

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This is irrelevant: wish takes a past tense, usually past subjunctive.
– tchrist ♦
Commented Sep 16, 2018 at 18:54

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