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Teleostomi Posted 20 years ago
Vocabulary
The difference between "as" and "as if"
(1) He cuts it as one would cut up a soft coconut into small squares.
(2) He cuts it as if he would cut up a soft coconut into small squares.
Is there any difference between the two? To my ear (2) sounds more "subjunctive."
(2) He cuts it as if he would cut up a soft coconut into small squares.
Is there any difference between the two? To my ear (2) sounds more "subjunctive."
Top answer
I think the second one is better and the meaning is also more clear
- I think the second one is better and the meaning is also more clear
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4 Answers
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I think the second one is better and the meaning is also more clear
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In spoken English like is often used instead of as in sentences like No. 1.
No. 2 is incorrect. It should be: He cuts as if he were/was cutting up a soft coconut into small squares.
More examples of as if/as though:
Reference to the present or the future:
He speaks as if/as though he knew all about it.
He will speak
No. 2 is incorrect. It should be: He cuts as if he were/was cutting up a soft coconut into small squares.
More examples of as if/as though:
Reference to the present or the future:
He speaks as if/as though he knew all about it.
He will speak
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Thank you, Jhumjhum and Cool Breee, for help.
Please allow me one more question: If the "would" in (2) is wrong, is it also the case with (1)
(1) He cuts it as one would cut up a soft coconut into small squares.
(2) He cuts it as if he would cut up a soft coconut into small squares.
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