"I wish he still had the motorcycle"

Question

He no longer has the motorcycle, but I wish he did. I'm not sure what verb tense I should use for tener.

"Deseo que él todavía tiene la motocicleta."

Is this right?

this would mean that 'I wish he still has the motorcycle', which doesn't make sense. Tener should be conjugated to preterit. - Seb79, DIC 9, 2009

Please see Qfreed's answer below. The subjunctive is required. - --Mariana--, DIC 9, 2009

past subjunctive - 0074b507, DIC 9, 2009

ok - Seb79, DIC 9, 2009

Answer 1

Deseo or espero are considered verbs of emotion or volition. The require that the verb in the subordinated clause be conjugated in the subjunctive mood.

"Deseo que él todavía tuviera la motocicleta.

Please don't accept answers until they have been confirmed by at least one other member. (my answer included).

Answer 2

Tener in the preterite, I think because as you've said that he had the motorbike but doesn't any more. The preterite is used to describe a completed accion/event.

Answer 3

Qfreed is correct. You would use the subjunctive....I think it would be past subjunctive- correct me once more if I'm wrong?