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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 05-Oct-2003, 20:11
tinks
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Default Wasn't or Weren't

Should I use
'Then if that wasn't enough ....'
or
'Then if that weren't enough....'

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Old 05-Oct-2003, 20:34
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You could use both - but we would need more context to decide which was better for the situation you want to use them in. Could you post another example for us please?

PS - Welcome to UsingEnglish!

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Old 05-Oct-2003, 21:05
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Default Wasn't or Weren't

Quote:
Originally Posted by Red5
You could use both - but we would need more context to decide which was better for the situation you want to use them in. Could you post another example for us please?

PS - Welcome to UsingEnglish!

Thanks for the welcome and the help.
My story goes:
....followed on Tuesday by the dreaded race itself. Then if that wasn't/weren't enough, on Thursday I was due to play in a concert.
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Old 05-Oct-2003, 21:16
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It all depends on the context. In this case I'd say that wasn't is what you need.

wasn't = was not

weren't = were not

Because you use the word that, I would use was. It is all down to the singular or plural nature of the subject of your sentance.
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Old 05-Oct-2003, 21:23
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I'd be tempted to use 'as if'.
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Old 06-Oct-2003, 00:11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tdol
I'd be tempted to use 'as if'.
Interesting. I didn't notice the as was missing. I guess I mentally filled it in. That sentence doesn't really work without it.

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Old 06-Oct-2003, 08:28
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Same here Ron - Oooopps!
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Old 06-Oct-2003, 10:51
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tdol
I'd be tempted to use 'as if'.
Sorry, it should have read "as if". I can't type!!
Thanks for the help, I had written "wasn't" but it was 'suggested' that I use "weren't" instead!

Thanks to everyone who replied.
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Old 06-Oct-2003, 12:16
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It's a pleasure; that's what we're here for!
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Old 13-Oct-2003, 17:23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Red5
It's a pleasure; that's what we're here for!
1. The singular THAT suggests the use of WASN'T as appropriate. This is not incorrect.
2. However, being a conditional clause, BE (or sticky grammarians) would tend to use WEREN'T. E.g. If I were you...., If it were not for.....
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