Question
Updated on
3 Dec 2022
- Korean
-
English (US)
Question about English (US)
What is the difference between I quickly slid across his side as if I *was sliding on the floor. and .... as if I *were sliding on the floor. ?Feel free to just provide example sentences.
What is the difference between I quickly slid across his side as if I *was sliding on the floor. and .... as if I *were sliding on the floor. ?Feel free to just provide example sentences.
Which one is grammatically correct :)? If they are both right, what does each sentence imply :)? Thank you!
Answers
Read more comments
- English (US)
There is technically a grammatical difference, but only strict grammar enthusiasts would care. ("was" is the correct usage)
"Were" is for subjunctive, which is when you describe a hypothetical non-real scenario.
"If I were you, then... (imaginary scenario)"
"If I were you, I would leave before the rain starts."
"He looked as if he was tired.." (Not hypothetical, in fact it could be true.)
What does your sentence mean?
It implies that someone is moving smoothly past someone, as if they are sliding on a slippery floor.
This is a great blog post about using "if" conditionals.
https://www.grammarly.com/blog/conditional-sent...
Highly-rated answerer
- English (US)
Both are correct, but you should use were because it is hypothetical.
If I were sliding on the floor: not actually sliding on the floor
“If I were to paint it, I would paint it white.”
“It was painted white”
- Korean
- Korean

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