Tense after as though and as if

Question

Hi. Help me please with this. I think the below sentence is correct (tense-wise). I also think the part after the phrases "as though" and "as if" is in the subjunctive.

They talked about him as though/as if he were the kind of person who splurges (splurged?) always when he goes (went?) out.

Now why is it correct to have present tenses in the above sentence (in the subjunctive) but not for the typical number 2 conditional (i think it is) below, which should (must?) have a past tense in the part that marks its subjunctive mood?

If he were a king of a nation that had vast natureal resources like coals, he would make sure they are used in a positive way for the nation.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I HAVE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED MY ANSWER BEFORE POSTING

(1) I believe that No. 1 is correct.

They talked about him as [they would talk about him] if he

were the kind of person who always splurges when he goes out.

But he is not that kind of person.

There is no reason to put "splurges" and "goes" in the past. The

underlined portion is not meant to describe "him." It describes

any person with that kind of personality. It is a description of a

certain kind of person. There is no past or future involved. It simply

is. For example:

When I was younger, I was the kind of person who loves to eat

ice cream. I am no longer that kind of person. But that

kind of person still loves to eat ice cream. (People of that kind

still "love" (not "loveD") ice cream.)

(2) I apologize for not being able to explain this in a better manner.

So I shall let someone else answer your second question.

I HAVE PROOFREAD THIS SEVERAL TIMES

Philip · Answer

AnonymousI HAVE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED MY ANSWER BEFORE POSTING I HAVE PROOFREAD THIS SEVERAL TIMES

Personal note to this anonymous poster. I think you should register so that when we see your posts we know who you are. You are very clear in your responses, and we would like to have you on board in a more personal way. Please consider it.

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you for your overly generous comments.  I am constantly awed by the wonderful work that you and your fellow members do day in and day out, year in and year out, to help both learners and native speakers to better understand English. I do not dare even to try answering 95%+ of the challenging questions that come in.  Have a nice day.

Anonymous · Answer

Hi. Thank you for the great answer. Could you (if you could give me your help) or any great people help me with this too?

I wrote this sentence in my previous post that started this tread:

If he were a king of a nation that had vast natureal resources like coals, he would make sure they are used in a positive way for the nation.

Now I took a second look and it came to my attention that the verb "are used" should be "were used." (Is it correct?)

Also, what determines whether to have a past tense or present tense after the underlined conditional wording like below?

He would make sure that it gets (got?) what it needs (needed).

Thank you for your anticipated help.

Anonymous · Answer

I HAVE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED MY ANSWER BEFORE POSTING

Until one of the language professionals answers, may I share a possible

answer?

I think (repeat: think) that most people would, as you suggest, use

"were used," "got," and "needed" in your sentences.

The reason? Maybe (maybe) because the word "would"

invites the past tense:

I will come if you invite me.

I would come if you invited me.

Mr. X is dead now. I really miss him. When he was the boss,

he would always make sure that we workers got everything

that we needed to do the job.

Compare with:

Miss Y is a great boss. We all love her. No matter what goes

wrong, she will make sure/ makes sure that we workers get

everything that we need to do the job.

*********

I also found the following information in English Review Grammar

by Mr. Walter Smart:

Would is used for willingness to do something

He would help you if he could.

I would come if I were able.

Would is used for simple futurity

They would be arrested if they came.

You would find him [friendly] if you knew him.

(This post has been proofread several times)

Tense after as though and as if

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions