(1) If I WERE rich (I am not), I WOULD/COULD/MIGHT buy you a new car. "Were" is called the subjunctive (something that is in my mind. Not a reality). (2) If I WAS rich, I WOULD buy you a car. = used by many native speakers because (a)

Being from another planet (technically the moon), the above situation does not apply to me. However, during a conversation with an Earthling cat, I encountered an example of the subjunctive mood. Since from what I understand, an Earthling cat

I agree with Ivan's analysis except: the second sentence is an example of a common error, even among natives. The third sentence is correct. The question is was/were usage with the subjunctive. Were is needed here because it is an example

Had is a past subjunctive in your sentence. For a continuous or progressive tense as they are also called, you always need the present participle, i.e. a verb ending ing: I am hav ing dinner at the moment. He was read ing a book when I called

Hi Tom Can I use it in everyday conversation? I'd say it's sometimes used in everyday conversation. Is the use of come natural in the given sentence?... I will invite you to dinner come December. I'd say that would be possible, but

Hi p0101 and welcome to English Forums. "Were" is the past tense of "are." I am I was You are You were He is He was We are We were They are They were Sometimes we use something called the subjunctive. Usually

1. were is correct for all persons. It is the subjunctive used in a situation that is contrary to fact. 2. If I had done/I wouldn't have been Your first example is a common error, even among native speakers. The last example is

... why can't we put it after It's a pity as a subject (subjunctive?) clause to say the party would have been enjoyable if you attended, which is advisable? No. The meaning doesn't come across the way you envision it. Once you have the

Abil, native speakers NEVER use a that-clause after "want." You should say, "I want you to become more attentive." In fact, perhaps it might be better to say "to be" more attentive. Native speakers do, however, say

I would use "is" with the subjunctive.