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Kynguyen Posted 22 years ago
Grammar
Was/were
Hi, I don't understand why we say: if I were you,...... I thought "were" or "are" for plural or used for you, we, and they. What if we put this in present tense such as: if I are you? why can't we say: if I was you,...?
I hope someone can explain this. Thanks.
Ky
I hope someone can explain this. Thanks.
Ky
Top answer
Hi again, when using the word IF, does it have to be in the past?
- Hi again, when using the word IF, does it have to be in the past?
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3 Answers
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Hi again,
when using the word IF, does it have to be in the past?
when using the word IF, does it have to be in the past?
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Hmmm...I don't know any way to explain the first part of your question, unfortunately...I just know it as one of the MANY obnoxious exceptions to rules in the pathetic mess of words and grammar we all call English.
Answering your second question, no. The word "if" does not have to be used in the past tense only.
For example, you could rightly say, "If you want to find Bob,
Answering your second question, no. The word "if" does not have to be used in the past tense only.
For example, you could rightly say, "If you want to find Bob,
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Hello, Kynguyen.
You can have a look at this thread for the use of "was" and "were": http://www.EnglishForward.com/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=30839
You can have a look at this thread for the use of "was" and "were": http://www.EnglishForward.com/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=30839
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