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30 Jun 2012, 19:36
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I don't understand why in sentences with 'if' i generally see 'were' used more often?
Have a look at this SC question:
A recent and popular self-help book wryly notes that if adolescence was not so painful, it would have a droll comedic aspect, at least in retrospect.
Correct answer is 'were not so painful, it'
Now generally speaking what would you say
1) If it was up to me i would take the exam next week
OR
2) If it were up to me I would take the exam next week.
doesn't 1 sound better? So if someone can please help explain this.
Thanks!
Have a look at this SC question:
A recent and popular self-help book wryly notes that if adolescence was not so painful, it would have a droll comedic aspect, at least in retrospect.
Correct answer is 'were not so painful, it'
Now generally speaking what would you say
1) If it was up to me i would take the exam next week
OR
2) If it were up to me I would take the exam next week.
doesn't 1 sound better? So if someone can please help explain this.
Thanks!
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30 Jun 2012, 20:02
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The issue here is the rule regarding 'hypothetical subjunctives'. jko explains this concept well in his post.
02 Jul 2012, 04:35
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Generally speaking, when you're talking about something that could have been the case but isn't, then employ "were". The use of "was" might, at first, sound a little better; that's because it is arguably the more commonly-used phrase for everyday, informal speech. When tackling the GMAT, however, it is usually safer to use "were"; it is typically seen as the more formal of the two, and more appropriate for situations that call for proper English.
Before taking the GMAT, I too used to put "was" in place of "were". You'll get used to it over time.
Before taking the GMAT, I too used to put "was" in place of "were". You'll get used to it over time.
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