If he was/if he were

[diplomacy]

When should I use as if he was and as if he were?

Is this sentence correct? If not why?

He pretended as if he was a wise man.

[bhaisahab]

When should I use as if he was and as if he were?

Is this sentence correct? If not why?

He pretended as if he was a wise man.

No, it's not correct, "pretended" doesn't work with "as if". It should be "He pretended that he was a wise man".

[diplomacy]

Why it doesn't work with pretend?
Are there special words don't work with as is?

[davidbailey]

Hey Diplomacy,

The simple answer seems to be that we use 'he were' in formal settings and 'he was' in informal expression. However, the use of 'were' seems to be the general choice if in doubt.

Why?

It has to do with the use of the subjunctive mood being used after words like 'if', 'as if', 'wish', and 'suppose' and we use the past subjunctive of the verb 'to be' instead of the the past simple.

You can get a really in-depth explanation from the Grammar Girl if you really want to understand the idea behind verb moods. ;)

When should I use as if he was and as if he were?
Is this sentence correct? If not why?
He pretended as if he was a wise man.

[davidbailey]

So, for you sentence you could say things like:

• If he were a wise man, he would have pretended to understand.
• It was as if he were a wise man pretending to understand.
• I wish he were a wise man and could understand us.
• I suppose he would understand if he were as wise as he pretended to be.

I'm just making these up as I go...but I hope you get the idea. ;)

[TheParser]

Why it doesn't work with pretend?
Are there special words don't work with as is?

***** NOT A TEACHER *****


Hello,

May I just add a few words to Mr. Bailey's excellent comments?

I believe that these sentences are also possible:

1. He acts as if he was/were wise, but he isn't. ( Americans would greatly appreciate your using the subjunctive "were.")

2. He acted as if he was wise, but he wasn't. (In older English, the subjunctive was also used here. But today, most

teachers suggest using the subjunctive only for present or future statements.)


James