1 more quick 2nd conditional question

[TutorT]

In this sentence:
If the world WAS going to end tomorrow, would you be afraid?
Everything I read tells me it must be "were" but it sounds awkward to me.
Is there any leeway here or do I just suck it up and accept it has to be "were".
Big Thanks
G

[SaritaAgerman]

hi,

Sometimes 'was' sounds awkward because so many people use was in everyday conversation without really thinking. I always teach my students 'were' though because it helps them to recognise that the sentence is conditional (as you'd never use 'were' otherwise). I think were becomes more natural sounding the more you use it. For example, after a year of teaching, I find myself cringing slightly when I hear someone use 'was' (maybe that's just my teacher brain speaking though).

I think in everyday conversation, no one would really judge you for using 'was' (except for a pernickety TEFL teacher haha!)

Hopefully this article might help you

http://saritaagerman.blogspot.it/2012/1 ... onals.html

[karavarum]

SaritaAgerman Thank you for right answer

[becki]

SaritaAgerman, nice explanation. I completely agree, the correct use is "were".

I have a couple of speaking activities using the 2nd conditional, if you need them for class at http://www.eflsensei.com/?scategory=33.

Best of luck!
Becki

[SaritaAgerman]

Glad to help. really appreciate the link with activities above too - I'll use them with my teens.