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zuotengdazuo
If I was/were blind?
I read this sentence here
https://forum.wordreference.com/threads/if-i-thought-i-would-have-ducked-you-too.3314388/
See #12
If I was blind, I would have walked more carefully.
This sentence is come up with by a native speaker, who says the sentence means "The person is now blind, and was then blind. That a feature of that particular conditional form."
But I find his sentence and explanation funny. I don't think his sentence is correct because I expected "If I were blind..."(which means he is not blind now)
So could you tell me if his sentence is correct and how you understand it?
Thank you.
Apr 30, 2017 8:52 AM
Answers · 6
2
If I were blind is correct. This is the subjunctive form in English. Well done for noticing!
The reality, though, is that the subjunctive isn't used anymore by quite a few native speakers. Therefore we can't say it is totally incorrect to drop the subjunctive and say "was".
However, it is better and more correct. Use the subjunctive and show everyone how awesome your English grammar is!
April 30, 2017
1
Often times native speakers in the United States use "if I was" instead of "if I were" when speaking. Actually I am starting believe that this sentence is sarcastic. He is telling someone that they walked worse than someone who is blind. Which, is actually not true.. I have seen blind men walk very straight lines... ))) The person was less careful than a blind man walking ....
April 30, 2017
An example from a quiz show on tv in the UK:
The presenter always says "If you was to win, what would you do with the money?"
April 30, 2017
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zuotengdazuo
Language Skills
Chinese (Mandarin), English, Japanese
Learning Language
English, Japanese
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