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Anonymous Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Prefer that?

Hi all,

There is a question. I couldn't solve it.

I preferred that she ..... here.

a- stay
b- stayed

The answer is a. I don't know why. This one is in simple past but verb is present. Explanation needed. Thank you.
  

Top answer

"stay" is actually a subjunctive form, in this case describing a desired state, not a simple present tense (if it was present tense it would have to be "she stays"). The same nominally present subjunctive form can be used for both present and past desires.

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2 Answers
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"stay" is actually a subjunctive form, in this case describing a desired state, not a simple present tense (if it was present tense it would have to be "she stays"). The same nominally present subjunctive form can be used for both present and past desires.
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Oh subjunctives. I totally forgot it. Thanks for the answer Emotion: smile