GMAT Club Grammar Book

Question

While reading the GMAT club grammar book, I came across this sentence. Probably it is a trivial question but I want to clear my doubt. The sentence can be found in page 55, under the section Like/as.

My neighbor’s house is as if it  were  a zoo.

Why is it were instead of was?

Thanks

ConnectTheDots · Answer

Check Page 125:

NOTE: In the unreal condition, the past tense form of the verb be is always were. It can NEVER be was.

Make it a rule of thumb. The neighbor's house being a zoo is only a hypothetical situation and can't be true practically. You need to use WERE in such cases.

irda · Answer

Thanks. I must have read further instead of asking. Though gave you a Kudos.

Vercules · Answer

Hi irda, I think ConnectTheDots clarified your doubt quite well. The "were" in your question is called the "subjunctive were" or the "hypothetical were". You should use it in hypothetical constructions. While speaking "was" is acceptable; many American people use "was" in their informal communication. But, for the purposes of GMAT and standard written English you must use were in such sentences. e.g. I wish I were the president of the USA. -- Wishes are hypothetical (until they become real :-)

) He is behaving as if he were the CEO of this company. The subjunctive rules are simple, but could confuse one at times. Just make a note of the words that require a subjunctive forms. Hope this helps, Vercules

irda · Answer

Vercules,

Thanks for the explanation. I have got it now.

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