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Deborahjeong Posted 8 years ago
Grammar

If I was thinking

If I was thinking of becoming a marine scientist, I would talk with at least a dozen of them to get a wide and deep variety of perspectives. (source: a random sentence a non-native speaker made)My question is if the verb think can be used for the past subjunctive mood. I think the act of thinking is something you can never suppose in a sense. ¦ Anyway, could you help me know if one can use "if I was thinking" as a subjective mood? Even if it can be used, it is rare, right? Thanks
  

Top answer

deborahjeong If I was thinking of becoming a marine scientist, I would talk with at least a dozen of them Correct. ) Also, deborahjeong If I were thinking of becoming a marine scientist, I would talk with at least a dozen of them Correct. ) Neither of these is rare.

— CalifJim

  • deborahjeong If I was thinking of becoming a marine scientist, I would talk with at least a dozen of them Correct.
  • ) Also, deborahjeong If I were thinking of becoming a marine scientist, I would talk with at least a dozen of them Correct.
  • ) Neither of these is rare.
  • Both are used; however, for the purpose of answering exam questions, many teachers expect the one with the subjunctive.
  • CJ
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1 Answers
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deborahjeongIf I was thinking of becoming a marine scientist, I would talk with at least a dozen of them

Correct. (There is no subjunctive here.)

Also,

deborahjeongIf I were thinking of becoming a marine scientist, I would talk with at least a dozen of them

Correct. (This one has the subjunctive.)

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