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Zach Boyer Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

The expression "as it were"

I want to use the expression "as it were" in the present tense. It's just because the word "were" is in there—"were" sounding like it's some version of past tense—it doesn't really sound like it'd be grammatically right. I'd like to know if "as it were" can in fact be used in present tense. And then if not, is there some present-tense version of "as it were" that I can use instead? Thanks! —Zach
  

Top answer

Zach Boyer I'd like to know if "as it were" can in fact be used in present tense. Yes. The clause "as it were" can be used as an aside in a present tense sentence.

— AlpheccaStars

  • Zach Boyer I'd like to know if "as it were" can in fact be used in present tense.
  • Yes.
  • The clause "as it were" can be used as an aside in a present tense sentence.
  • What is the sentence you want to use it in?
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6 Answers
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Zach Boyer I'd like to know if "as it were" can in fact be used in present tense.
Yes. The clause "as it were" can be used as an aside in a present tense sentence.
What is the sentence you want to use it in?
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As it were is very often used in the present tense. "Were" in this case is subjunctive mood not past tense.

The rough meaning of "as it were," or the similar expressions "so to speak" and "if you will," is meant to indicate that the statement with which it is associated is to be taken figuratively, that is to say, not exactly what it literally means on its face. With that in mind, the c
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OK, so I'm talking about this gigantic ship. I'll just start off in the middle: "but it possesses, as it were, a certain intimidation factor." Or something close to that. What do you think?
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Zach Boyer"but it possesses, as it were, a certain intimidation factor."
Zach BoyerWhat do you think?
It works for me!
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