as if she was vs as if she were

[ostap77]

1)"She loves her as if she were her own daughter.''

OR

2)"She loves her as if she was here own daughter."

The first sentence is grammatically correct. But I get to hear pople saying sentences like the second one among native speakers.

 

[Chicchick]

Both are grammatically correct.

 

[ostap77]

Both are grammatically correct.

Some grammar textbooks(old ones) say that it's compulsory to use "were".
If "was" used, it would be considered incorrect...?

 

[bhaisahab]

Some grammar textbooks(old ones) say that it's compulsory to use "were".
If "was" used, it would be considered incorrect...?

#1 is correct.

 

[ostap77]

#1 is correct.

The second one?

 

[bhaisahab]

The second one?

No, the second one isn't correct.

 

[ostap77]

No, the second one isn't correct.

So the second one would be marked incorrect on the writing test. What about the colloquial use?

 

[bhaisahab]

So the second one would be marked incorrect on the writing test. What about the colloquial use?

It is used colloquially by people who are not careful with language.

 

[Chicchick]

'were' is more proper

'was' is acceptable in modern times

(Check out a Headway text book.)

 

[ostap77]

'were' is more proper

'was' is acceptable in modern times

(Check out a Headway text book)

That's why I've been on this website. "old grammar texbooks'' tend to consider something incorrect,whereas new ones say it's Ok to use it.

 

[Chicchick]

I would use 'were'.

I think that it sounds much better.

English is a 'dynamic language' - that means it changes over time.

When you see the word 'rhetoric' used in literature six hundred years ago it means 'full of meaning' and now it means 'empty of meaning'.

I once had a student who used the word 'thrice' in conversation.
This is the danger of using really old books.

 

[riquecohen]

I agree with bhaisahab´s posts in this thread.
With regard to the grammar books, it´s clear that languages are constantly evolving, however I´m not ready to give up on the proper use of the subjunctive.

 

[ostap77]

I agree with bhaisahab´s posts in this thread.
With regard to the grammar books, it´s clear that languages are constantly evolving, however I´m not ready to give up on the proper use of the subjunctive.

Sure thing on a writing test you stick to proper grammar but when you talk to your friends you might make "tiny mistakes" that nobody would notice;-)?

 

[Pedroski]

"I´m not ready to give up on the proper use of the subjunctive."

I don't think you can 'give up' the subjunctive: it is needed in language. All that happens is, the written form is changing/haschanged.