I used the “ancient” “if i were” structure in my paper under the influence of French. Now my professor thinks that my English grammar is impossible… fml
I used the “ancient” “if i were” structure in my paper under the influence of French. Now my professor thinks that my English grammar is impossible… fml
Anonymous 3:15 pm on March 9, 2010 Permalink |
Why? I thought “if I were” was perfectly fine to use..
Anonymous 3:17 pm on March 9, 2010 Permalink |
But “if I were” is correct grammar, is it not? It’s subjunctive which does indeed exist in English.
Grammar Geek 4:51 pm on March 9, 2010 Permalink |
If you’re teacher thinks the subjunctive is ‘ancient’ or in anyway arcane, you can probably safely ignore any of his or her further grammatical advice.
Long live the subjunctive mood.
Grammar ReGeek 7:06 pm on March 9, 2010 Permalink |
Oh, no, love! I’m sure you’re rueing those first two (oops! three) words.
The Geek. 9:39 pm on March 9, 2010 Permalink
I’ve got to start proofreading these things before I post them.
Anonymous 5:13 pm on March 9, 2010 Permalink |
You mean instead of “If I was”? Cause “If I were” is gramatically correct, and “if I was” is incorrect.
Anonymous 9:37 pm on March 9, 2010 Permalink |
???? Your professor must be confused.
Studied Grammar at Strict Catholic School 10:26 pm on March 9, 2010 Permalink |
Sentences that neglect to use subjunctive tense (in English) drive me CRAZY. My old grammar pet peeve was good/well, but it’s been replaced by was/were. *Sigh*
Lat 10:42 pm on March 9, 2010 Permalink |
If your “professor” thinks that “If I were” is grammatically incorrect, you should get a book and show him/her that (s)he is wrong. No one takes Latin anymore, I guess. If anything, it teaches grammar.
Fidler sur le Toit 10:03 am on March 10, 2010 Permalink |
Sounds like your prof thinks Tevye was wrong singing “If I were a rich man …”
English Major/Gwen Stefani Minor 6:30 pm on March 10, 2010 Permalink |
… and Gwen Stefani was right singing, “If I was a rich girl…”