ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: Were vs. was

just the truth — Tue, 28 Dec 2004 09:23:49 GMT

2.
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 expresses a counterfactual because of the past tense FORM. The same is true of in 2b.

Re: Were vs. was

Mister Micawber — Sat, 25 Dec 2004 15:00:33 GMT

(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.

Were vs. was

The EnglishLearner — Sat, 25 Dec 2004 13:37:15 GMT

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!!