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The EnglishLearner Posted 21 years ago
Grammar
Were vs. was
Please tell me correct sentences here.
1.
a. 'I couldn't figure out which one was you in the picture'
b. 'I couldn't figure out which one were you in the picture'
2.
a. 'I wish I were there'
b. 'I wish I was there'
Thanks a lot and Happy holidays everybody!!
1.
a. 'I couldn't figure out which one was you in the picture'
b. 'I couldn't figure out which one were you in the picture'
2.
a. 'I wish I were there'
b. 'I wish I was there'
Thanks a lot and Happy holidays everybody!!
Top answer
(1a) and (2a) are correct. (1a) is past indicative, a statement of fact: S = 'one'; V = 'was'. (2a) is present subjunctive, a condition contrary to fact: S = 'I'; V = 'were'.
- (1a) and (2a) are correct.
- (1a) is past indicative, a statement of fact: S = 'one'; V = 'was'.
- (2a) is present subjunctive, a condition contrary to fact: S = 'I'; V = 'were'.
- And a Merry Christmas to you too, EL.
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3 Answers
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(1a) and (2a) are correct. (1a) is past indicative, a statement of fact: S = 'one'; V = 'was'. (2a) is present subjunctive, a condition contrary to fact: S = 'I'; V = 'were'.
And a Merry Christmas to you too, EL.
And a Merry Christmas to you too, EL.
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2.
a. 'I wish I were there'
b. 'I wish I was there'
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Both of these are correct, standard English. 2a only has a special name, the subjunctive. That doesn't mean that it is the only form in English that expresses counterfactual situations.
"If I lived in Toronto, ... " is not a subjunctive form but it expresse
a. 'I wish I were there'
b. 'I wish I was there'
>>>>>>>>>>>>
Both of these are correct, standard English. 2a only has a special name, the subjunctive. That doesn't mean that it is the only form in English that expresses counterfactual situations.
"If I lived in Toronto, ... " is not a subjunctive form but it expresse
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In my view:
1a is correct. One could reorder the words and find that "one was in the picture" makes more sense than "one were in the picture."
2a is correct. "I was there" is correct, but I believe that "the rule" changes when something is contrary to fact. So, it is correct to say, "If I were king" (unless you are the king) instead of "If I as king."
1a is correct. One could reorder the words and find that "one was in the picture" makes more sense than "one were in the picture."
2a is correct. "I was there" is correct, but I believe that "the rule" changes when something is contrary to fact. So, it is correct to say, "If I were king" (unless you are the king) instead of "If I as king."
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