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were to drive off
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New2grammar  #534286  Sun, 29 Jun 08 05:05 PM
If you were to drive off a cliff, you would experience free fall.

If you drove off a cliff, you would experience free fall.

What's the difference between the two? Any subtle difference at all?
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Avangi  #534297  Sun, 29 Jun 08 05:25 PM
No difference.  The trend is away from the subjunctive.  Most people are more comfortable with simple past.  Only a few of us old farts are still hanging on.  Either way, be sure your seat belt is fastened.

Best wishes,  - A,.
  
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New2grammar  #534302  Sun, 29 Jun 08 05:39 PM
Thank you, Avangi. I think both are subjunctive. I could be wrong.
  
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