0
Seifi Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
Passive
Hi everyonewhy "were" is used in this sentence instead of "was"?If your brother were invited, he would come.
Top answer
Hello, Seifi—and welcome to English Forums. It is because it is the subjunctive form of the verb 'be', used here to indicate a present hypothetical situation (Conditional II). Presumably, the brother is unlikely to be invited.
- Hello, Seifi—and welcome to English Forums.
- It is because it is the subjunctive form of the verb 'be', used here to indicate a present hypothetical situation (Conditional II).
- Presumably, the brother is unlikely to be invited.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
6 Answers
0
Hello, Seifi—and welcome to English Forums.
It is because it is the subjunctive form of the verb 'be', used here to indicate a present hypothetical situation (Conditional II). Presumably, the brother is unlikely to be invited.
It is because it is the subjunctive form of the verb 'be', used here to indicate a present hypothetical situation (Conditional II). Presumably, the brother is unlikely to be invited.
00
You mean we should never use "was" in conditional sentences, am i right?
00
'Was' is common in spoken informal English, a sign that the subjunctive is gradually fading from use, but it is still not acceptable in formal language.
00
Mr. Micawber, you had written "Presumably, the brother is unlikely to be invited." UNLIKELY is adj not verb, why did you use this here?
00
0
Seifi, you are not doing enough careful research before you post. Please do so in future.
1.not likely to be or occur; improbable; marked by http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/doubt.
2.holding little prospect of
un·like·ly
adjective1.not likely to be or occur; improbable; marked by http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/doubt.
2.holding little prospect of
0
Related Questions