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SJ88 Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Subjunctives
Hi everyone,
I have been wondering about this for some time:
"If he were to say that, I would think that he was/were lying."
To use "were" in that case sounds awkward and wrong, and yet to use "was" would seem that one was not keeping in line with the subjunctive mood. Could someone advise?
Thanks!
SJ
I have been wondering about this for some time:
"If he were to say that, I would think that he was/were lying."
To use "were" in that case sounds awkward and wrong, and yet to use "was" would seem that one was not keeping in line with the subjunctive mood. Could someone advise?
Thanks!
SJ
Top answer
You would think that his lying was fact, not contrary to fact, so you don't use the subjunctive in that part of the sentence.
- You would think that his lying was fact, not contrary to fact, so you don't use the subjunctive in that part of the sentence.
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5 Answers
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You would think that his lying was fact, not contrary to fact, so you don't use the subjunctive in that part of the sentence.
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SJ88To use "were" in that case sounds awkward and wrongIt is awkward and wrong. There is no reason why "think that" or "thought that" should ever be followed by a subjunctive. Ignore the subjunctive in the if clause. That's got nothing to do with the choice in the clause you're puzzled about.
CJ
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Thanks Grammar Geek and CalifJim!
I understand why "were" is not used now. But I still don't quite get why "was" is used instead. Why not "is"? The truth is, neither seems to apply:
It doesn't seem to be "is" because I am not thinking that he is a liar at the moment.
It doesn't seem to be "was" either because I did not think he was a liar in the past.
It just s
I understand why "were" is not used now. But I still don't quite get why "was" is used instead. Why not "is"? The truth is, neither seems to apply:
It doesn't seem to be "is" because I am not thinking that he is a liar at the moment.
It doesn't seem to be "was" either because I did not think he was a liar in the past.
It just s
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Use the past after "thought that" or "knew that". It doesn't matter if you still think it or know it now.
... thought that he was ...
... knew that he was ...
The same applies after "would think that" or "would know that".
CJ
... thought that he was ...
... knew that he was ...
The same applies after "would think that" or "would know that".
CJ
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