Subjunctive and Indicative

When “if” is followed by something unlikely, untrue, or unreal, use the subjunctive: “If he were in your shoes, he would understand.”

When “if” is followed by something likely, true, or real, use the indicative: “If he was in your shoes, he shouldn’t have been surprised at tripping so often.”

When the phrase contains a form of “would” it is probably subjunctive.

This entry was posted in Words. Bookmark the permalink.