tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-178811752011-04-21T14:51:20.239-07:00KedarsThoughtsWorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913937338770633657noreply@blogger.comBlogger31100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17881175.post-1129363145103121132005-10-15T00:37:00.000-07:002005-10-15T01:01:59.600-07:00We use <span style="font-style: italic;">were </span>when <a href="http://www.bartleby.com/64/C001/061.html">the subjunctive mood</a> needs to be expressed. But <span style="font-style: italic;">was </span>does NOT become <span style="font-style: italic;">were </span>when there is a possibility that the contrary has happened.<br /><br /><ul> <li>If Joanne <span style="font-style: italic;">were </span>going, I would see the movie. (I know Joanne is <span style="font-style: italic;">not </span>going).</li> <li>I would have walked if the bar <span style="font-style: italic;">were </span>nearby. (The bar is far away).</li> <li>He would have donated money if he <span style="font-style: italic;">were </span>earning. (He lost his job).</li> </ul> Was <span style="font-style: italic;">remains </span>was:<br /><ul> <li>If it <span style="font-style: italic;">was </span>a silver BMW, it could be Byron's. (It might be Byron's).<br /> </li> <li>If the war <span style="font-style: italic;">was </span>for oil, it was unfortunate. (<span style="font-style: italic;">Oil may have </span>been a factor for fighting the war).<br /> </li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17881175-112936314510312113?l=eiafl.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>KedarsThoughtsWorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913937338770633657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17881175.post-1129361695516326602005-10-15T00:24:00.000-07:002005-10-15T01:00:05.170-07:00This is a blog dedicated to my findings from this delightful <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/bookstore/woeisi.html">book</a>. Note that the blog is by no means (Patricia would comment -- just say "not") a replacement of the book. Do get the book and read it. This is a sort of ready reckoner that can (could?) work as a reference. <a href="http://home.pacbell.net/bnevins/">My friend Byron</a> has given me a two-week deadline to read it. I thought blogging as I read will be fun and hence the blog.<br /><br /><ul> <li><a href="http://eiafl.blogspot.com/2005/10/if-was-if-were.html">If Was If Were</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://eiafl.blogspot.com/2005/10/wishful-thinking.html">Wishful Thinking ...</a></li> <li><br /> </li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17881175-112936169551632660?l=eiafl.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>KedarsThoughtsWorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913937338770633657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17881175.post-1129360998669188912005-10-15T00:15:00.000-07:002005-10-15T00:23:18.673-07:00In English, it is a special arrangement to express wishful thinking. A modified grammar applies. Thus, I wish I <span style="font-style: italic;">were </span>a millionaire and not I wish I was a millionaire. Other examples ...<br /><ul> <li>I wish I <span style="font-style: italic;">were </span>in India. (I am not in India).</li> <li>I wish the water <span style="font-style: italic;">were </span>cleaner. (The water is not as clean).</li> <li>He wished he <span style="font-style: italic;">were </span>playing chess. (He is not playing chess).<br /> </li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17881175-112936099866918891?l=eiafl.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>KedarsThoughtsWorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13913937338770633657noreply@blogger.com