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Philip Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

BR ~ AM English

I recently heard the third in line to the British throne say, talking about his mother, "It's all about what she would be like if she was around." My students would be admonished to change 'was' to 'were'.

Is the quote, as it stands, ok in BrEng?

I know it's very common in the States, but I think it's still considered to be incorrect. Am I wrong?
  

Top answer

Philip what she would be like if she was around I am so shocked I think I'm going to need a sedative. I feel so betrayed. My trust in royalty is shattered.

— CalifJim

  • Philip what she would be like if she was around I am so shocked I think I'm going to need a sedative.
  • I feel so betrayed.
  • My trust in royalty is shattered.
  • If I was the prince what he is, I would try to be a more better exemplification of them what speaks nice and proper-like.
  • CJ
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9 Answers
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Philipwhat she would be like if she was around
I am so shocked I think I'm going to need a sedative. I feel so betrayed. My trust in royalty is shattered.

If I was the prince what he is, I would try to be a more better exemplification of them what speaks nice and proper-like.

CJ
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CalifJimIf I was the prince what he is, I would try to be a more better exemplification of them what speaks nice and proper-like.

Is that a direct quote from Liza?
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Crikey, no. Just a poor imitation.

CJ
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Hi guys,



Let's remember that it's called The Queen's English or, when he succeeds, The King's English.



Clive
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CliveHi guys, Let's remember that it's called The Queen's English or, when he succeeds, The King's English. Clive

Reminds me of the question and answer: Don't you know the King's English? Yes, I heard he was.
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CliveLet's remember that it's called The Queen's English or, when he succeeds, The King's English.

At least he's third in line. We may never have to bow to his peculiarities.

By the way, have we heard from a Brit about the acceptance of that structure in England?
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As I recall, Mr. Pedantic once said something to the effect that If I was (and all its ilk) for If I were is just as common, if not more so, in the UK as in the US.

CJ
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PhilipBy the way, have we heard from a Brit about the acceptance of that structure in England?

You have now! It does seem a little odd that the 'third-in-line' should choose not to use the more formal (some would say 'posher') 'were'. But what he said is perfectly acceptable - you'll hear both forms used here, by common folk and royalty, it seems. The tru
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BillJ Many speakers (including Prince Harry, apparently) choose to use the preterite 'was' instead of the more formal modal preterite 'were' when indicating a degree of remoteness from factuality.
Not particularly trying to be cynical, though that is often the case, I just wonder if certain people simply don't know the difference. That's the case with many "e
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