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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Was vs. were, singular

It was as if he were walking a _____and had to be careful it did not escape.
  

Top answer

If you are asking whether "It was as if he were " is correct, then yes, it is. Contrary to your subject line, this has nothing to do with singular versus plural. "were" is in the subjunctive mood.

— Mr Wordy

  • If you are asking whether "It was as if he were " is correct, then yes, it is.
  • Contrary to your subject line, this has nothing to do with singular versus plural.
  • "were" is in the subjunctive mood.
  • Many people, especially informally, do not bother to use the subjunctive (or do not understand that it could or should be used) and would say "was" instead.
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2 Answers
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If you are asking whether "It was as if he were" is correct, then yes, it is. Contrary to your subject line, this has nothing to do with singular versus plural. "were" is in the subjunctive mood. Many people, especially informally, do not bother to use the subjunctive (or do not understand that it could or should be used) and would say "was" instead.
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On the other hand, if you are asking about a word to fit the blank space, I suggest 'crocodile'.
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