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So, here's the sentence:

They usually ask: if you were stranded on an island, what’s the one thing you’d wish you had?

So is it have or had in this example, and why? (if it even makes a difference)

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A finite clause complementing wish is almost always hypothetical (irrealis, 'subjunctive'):

He wishes (that) he had a million dollars. but not
He wishes (that) he *has a million dollars.

The irrealis quality is often expressed with a past-form modal verb

He wishes that he might/could/would win the race.

The only exception is situations where wish in some sense "effects" the desired outcome. In a fairy tale, for instance, where the genie grants the hero a wish, he might say

I wish that I may marry the princess . . .

and the story proceeds inevitably to the nuptial.

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  • It amazes me how many English speakers get this wrong. Even those who are supposedly in the know. :)
    – Lambie
    Dec 2, 2017 at 15:55
  • so the sentence example I used was right?
    – strawberries
    Dec 2, 2017 at 16:40
  • @strawberries Your sentence is correct.
    – StoneyB on hiatus
    Dec 2, 2017 at 19:04

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