difference between 'as though' as 'as if'.

[paradigma]

if possible could you explain the difference between 'as though'and 'as if'.please with a few examples.Thank you in advance.
there is something more.although i am a member of your cite,still i can't manage to ask something asked before.what can i do for it.

paradigma

[Jamie (K)]

There is no difference between "as though" and "as if". They mean the same thing. You can say both of these sentences:

"He acts as though he were the boss."
"He acts as if he were the boss."

Or less formally:

"He acts as though he's the boss."
"He acts as if he's the boss."

The sentences all mean the same thing.

[Molly]

Or:

"He acts as though he was the boss."
"He acts as if he was the boss."

How about "like"?

"he acts like he were/is/was..."

[Yankee]

.
I wouldn't expect a sentence such as "He acts like he were the boss." to be commonly used. To me, were sounds out of place in the sentence.
.
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Azollo]

"As if/though" shouldn't be used if the phrase after includes a verb (or new verb). Hardcore grammarians also say not to use "like" if the following phrase does include a verb (or new verb).

"Like" examples;

He acts like a new boss. (Correct)
He acts as if a new boss. (Incorrect)

My car is fast like a turtle. (Correct)
My car is fast as though a turtle. (Incorrect)

Masochists love grammar like Sadists love to teach it. (Correct, because even though there is a verb in the phrase after, a new verb was not introduced.)
Masochists love grammar as though Sadists love to teach it. (Incorrect, unless you meant to infer that Sadists don't teach grammar.)

As if/though Examples;

He acts as if he is the new boss. (Correct)
He acts like he is the new boss. (Incorrect to some, but accepted by many)

I practice grammar as though I am a masochist. (Correct)
I practice grammar like I am a masochist. (Incorrect, but becoming more accepted)