Indicative=subjunctive with negation

Question

Can c be used instead of a?Can d be used instead of b?a) If I weren't married, she would be talking to me right now. (but you are married).b) If I were married, she would be talking to me right now. (but you aren't married).c) If I was married, she would be talking to me right now (this is true--you are married)d) If I wasn't married, she would be talking to me right now (this is true--you are not married).Thanks

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

All four can be used, but your explanations of C and D are false: C is not married and D is married. A/D and B/D are simply two ways to express the hypothetical situation: A and B are subjunctive while C and D are indicative ways of indicating unreal conditions.

English 1b3 · Answer

But in if clauses, the indicative is used when the statement is true or possible, while the subjunctive is used only when the statement is counterfactual.

Isn't this so?

Mister Micawber · Answer

Not any more, if it ever was so.  Your two sets divide into formal and informal expressions of the hypothetical.

English 1b3 · Answer

Please read this:

According to traditional rules, you use the subjunctive to describe an occurrence that you have presupposed to be contrary to fact: if I were ten years younger, if America were still a British Colony. The verb in the main clause of these sentences must then contain the verb would or (less frequently) should: If I were ten years younger, I would consider entering the marathon. If America were still a British colony, we would all be drinking tea in the afternoon. When the situation described by the if clause is not presupposed to be false, however, that clause must contain an indicative verb. The form of verb in the main clause will depend on your intended meaning: If Hamlet was really written by Marlowe, as many have argued, then we have underestimated Marlowe’s genius. If Kevin was out all day, then it makes sense that he couldn’t answer the phone.
Remember, just because the modal verb would appears in the main clause, this doesn’t mean that the verb in the if clause must be in the subjunctive if the content of that clause is not presupposed to be false: If I was (not were) to accept their offer—which I’m still considering—I would have to start the new job on May 2. He would always call her from the office if he was (not were) going to be late for dinner.

Are you sure it isn't any more?

Mister Micawber · Answer

Yes.  Your links do not discuss 'was' in 'if'-clauses.

English 1b3 · Answer

Mister MicawberYes. Your links do not discuss 'was' in 'if'-clauses.

What do you mean the link doesn't discuss if clauses?

When the situation described by the if clause is not presupposed to be false, however, that clause must contain an indicative verb.

Mister Micawber · Answer

Not true: simple as that.  Indicative is replacing subjunctive all across the board.  Please join the present century and modern English.

English 1b3 · Answer

So the quote from the link is no longer true. I can live with that. I just wasn't sure if it still held true.

Thanks, I'll try join ya!

Mister Micawber · Answer

Keep in mind what I said above, though: your two sets divide into formal and informal
expressions of the hypothetical.

Indicative=subjunctive with negation

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