What is the difference
I would really appreciate it if anyone could tell me the difference between
He "acts" as if he were a teacher.
&
He "acted" as if he were a teacher.
Thanks
Top answer
The first sentence talks about his present or general behaviour. In this case "were" is a subjunctive or "unreal" tense, not a true past tense. The second sentence talks about his past behaviour.
- The first sentence talks about his present or general behaviour.
- In this case "were" is a subjunctive or "unreal" tense, not a true past tense.
- The second sentence talks about his past behaviour.
- Less formally: He acts as if he's a teacher.
- He acted as if he was a teacher.
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The first sentence talks about his present or general behaviour. In this case "were" is a subjunctive or "unreal" tense, not a true past tense.
The second sentence talks about his past behaviour.
Less formally:
He acts as if he's a teacher.
He acted as if he was a teacher.
0deborahjeongHe "acts" as if he were a teacher.
Present tense. Reference is made to him having seemingly been a teacher in the past.
deborahjeongHe "acted" as if he were a teacher.
Past tense.
0
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