Using "like" and "as if" in unreal conditions
1- Why do you talk about him as if he were an old man? (He is not an old man.)
2- They treat me as if I were their own son. (I'm not their son)
Can I use "like" in these sentences above instead of "as if" ? As:
1'- Why do you talk about him like he is an old man ?
2'- They treat me like I am their own son.
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3- I feel like I have run a marathon . (I am just too tired because I just run one kilometre. So I haven't run a marathon.)
4- You look like you have seen a ghost. (She is just so terrified. She didn't see a ghost.)
Can I use "as if" in these sentences, 3 and 4, instead of "like". If I can, should I use subjunctive mood or not?
3a- I feel as if I have run a marathon.
3b- I feel as if I had run a marathon.
4a- You look as if you have seen a ghost.
4b- You look as if you had seen a ghost.
Top answer
Yes, you can use either 'as if' or 'like' in those sentences. Note, however, that 'as if' is considered to be the higher class way to say it. mango pen 189 should I use subjunctive mood or not?
- Yes, you can use either 'as if' or 'like' in those sentences.
- Note, however, that 'as if' is considered to be the higher class way to say it.
- mango pen 189 should I use subjunctive mood or not?
- After 'as if' just about any tense can be used.
- After 'like' we do not use the subjunctive.
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Yes, you can use either 'as if' or 'like' in those sentences.
Note, however, that 'as if' is considered to be the higher class way to say it.
mango pen 189should I use subjunctive mood or not?
After 'as if' just about any tense can be used.
After 'like' we do not use the subjunctive.
CJ
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