Which is correct? It is for my father's tombstone so need to get it right!

Who are "they"? If it's for your father's tombstone, wouldn't it be "he"?

If his family was happy, he was too.

In American English it's "family was", but I don't know if you want American English.

CJ

CalifJimWho are "they"? If it's for your father's tombstone, wouldn't it be "he"?

If his family was happy, he was too.

In American English it's "family was", but I don't know if you want American English.

CJ


Did you choose 'was' over 'were' for any particular reason, CJ? Casual English for a tombstone is maybe the

English 1b3Did you choose 'was' over 'were' for any particular reason, CJ? Casual English for a tombstone is maybe the trend--I don't know.

If I am reading your mind correctly, you believe that this is intended to be a "second conditional", and that were would represent the subjunctive required in the if-clause in such a structure.

If so

The past subjunctive is required with hypothetical statements and the verb 'wish.' OK, I know this is right, as I've read this countless times.

If statements require the past subjunctive 'were' for the second conditional (and the plueperfect subjunctive 'had been' for the third conditional). I think this is the only time 'were' replaces the indicative 'was.'

Because you say I'm

In the US, "family" is considered a single entity. Thus "is" is the correct verb.

My family is coming for dinner tonight- That's will be a typical usage.

The sentences in questions are no way "conditional". Just because the word "if" was used in the same context with 'were" doesn't make it conditional.

Hi,

According to me CJ is right. There are many sentences starting with 'if' which do not comply with the three conditional rules.

Eg; 1.If the book is interesting, I will buy it.

2.If he has married her, we will support him.

3.If he gets what he wants, he is very nice. etc......

Thank you.

Hi Toms,

"According to me" is not recognized as common in North America, it's considered odd.

Perhaps, "based on what I remember"or "if my memory serves me right" is more natural.

English 1b3 Casual English for a tombstone is maybe the trend--I don't know.

This is a very snippy response. The original poster is talking about the passing of a family member, and you choose this occasion for sarcasm? I've seen better from you.

English 1b3it doesn't fit into any of the three.

That's true. The three named conditionals are just the most common ones. That doesn't mean there aren't many, many other unnamed kinds. A very common one is the one you see here, where both clauses are in the past tense (not subjunctive). This pattern is used to talk about a relationship between things that

Grammar Geek

English 1b3 Casual English for a tombstone is maybe the trend--I don't know.

This is a very snippy response. The original poster is talking about the passing of a family member, and you choose this occasion for sarcasm? I've seen better from you.


My sincere apologies to Anon. I didn't actually realize th