Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option:
Riya wishes she ______ closer to her college; the bus ride takes almost two hours each way.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → lived
“Wish” about the present:
- After wish, a wish about the present takes the past form of the verb, though the meaning is now.
- It shows that the real situation is different.
- Clue word: “takes almost two hours” is in the present, so the wish is about Riya’s life now.
- Complete sentence: Riya wishes she lived closer to her college; the bus ride takes almost two hours each way.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: lives — Incorrect.
- “Lives” is the simple present.
- It states a fact, but a wish about the present needs the past form.
- Example: My aunt lives in Jaipur.
Option 3: has lived — Incorrect.
- “Has lived” is the present perfect: has / have + past participle (V3).
- A present wish after “wish” never takes the present perfect.
- Example: Mr Das has lived in this flat for ten years.
Option 4: will live — Incorrect.
- “Will live” is the simple future.
- A wish never takes “will”.
- It needs a past form.
- Example: Next year, we will live near the new metro line.