Subjunctive mode

[C. Miles]

In the subjunctive, does the pronoun following the linking verb take the subjective or objective case? Is it "if I were SHE" or "if I were HER"?

 

[lotus888]

Welcome, C.Miles!

That's subjunctive mood.

"If I were her..."

Treat the pronoun as an object.


--lotus

 

[MikeNewYork]

I disagree with Lotus. Grammatically, the pronoun following a linking verb should be the nominative "she". You will hear the other form, however.

 

[lotus888]

Here is an interesting discussion on the topic. Sometimes in English, there is no pat answer...

https://www.englishforums.com/English/IfIWereHim/jjznx/post.htm



--lotus

 

[MikeNewYork]

Yes, but that is a bunch of opinions. There is a grammatical answer to this question which I believe learners need to know. They take examinations. What they do with the information is up to them.

 

[lotus888]

For those who are interested, this is an excellent discussion/synopsis on the subjunctive, with excellent examples and references.

http://random-idea-english.blogspot.com/2011/06/exploring-grammar-subjunctive.html

http://random-idea-english.blogspot.com/2011/11/subjunctive-were-revisited-again.html


--lotus

 

[Tdol]

I honestly think that they're both correct. I'm not one of It is I crew, but I don't think it is right to say that only her can be used. She would be the traditional form, while her is widely used today. There are arguments for both, though I favour one.

 

[TheParser]

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


Hello, C. Miles:

1. If you are taking a test or writing an official report, I agree that you should follow the rule: use SHE.

2. But if you are a young person and, especially, a male, I suggest that you speak as do most Americans (young and old) in ordinary conversation: use HER.

3. In fact, probably most Americans would not even use the subjunctive: "If I was her, I certainly would not lend James $100."

4. There are rules and then there is real life situations in which we have to get along with other human beings.

a. I am sure that you have seen (American-style) football players on television.

i. I have NO DOUBT that if a tough, masculine American football player were to say, "If I were she, I certainly would not lend James $100," he would not be on that team for long!




James