"as if she were"

Jcbabo · #1 (permalink) Mon Sep 14, 2009 7:10 am *"as if she were"*

"She behaves as if/though she were the Queen."

Please help me.
I know that this sentence is correct, but I can't explain why.

she = singular
were = plural

Does it have to do with the subordinator "as if"?

Thanks in advance.

Alan · #2 (permalink) Mon Sep 14, 2009 7:33 am *"as if she were"*

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Hi Ichabo,

The use of 'were' here is an example of the subjunctive, a form of the verb indicating that the action is unreal. The verb 'be' uses 'were' for all persons (singular and plural) in the subjunctive form. In your sentence clearly she is not the Queen and that is why this form is used.

You may like to read some notes I have written for the site on the subjunctive:

http://www.english-test.net/lessons/15/index.html

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

Jcbabo · #3 (permalink) Mon Sep 14, 2009 7:33 am *"as if she were"*

thanks^^

Alan · #4 (permalink) Mon Sep 14, 2009 7:37 am *"as if she were"*

Hi Ichabo,

I have amended my first answer,

Alan
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English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Progressive Forms

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