grammer

[seanpatrick]

grammer question.

If Jesus was a salesman, or If Jesus were a salesman. I am checking a tilte of an essay and want to have the correct statement can you help?

 

[MrPedantic]

Hello SP,

It depends on the context. For instance:

1. If Bill Clinton were a footballer, he would probably play wide.
2. If Bill Clinton was a footballer, it's surprising that Wikipedia doesn't mention the fact.

The if-clause in #1 presents a speculation; the "were" is subjunctive. The if-clause in #2 presents historical information, however; the "was" is indicative.

It is also common to hear or see "was" in place of "were", in sentences of the #1 kind.

Best wishes,

MrP