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
1 more quick 2nd conditional question
Moderator: Joe
-
- Member
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:39 pm
- Status: Teacher
Re: 1 more quick 2nd conditional question
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
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
Re: 1 more quick 2nd conditional question
SaritaAgerman Thank you for right answer
Re: 1 more quick 2nd conditional question
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
Best of luck!
Becki
I have a couple of speaking activities using the 2nd conditional, if you need them for class
Best of luck!
Becki
-
- Member
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:39 pm
- Status: Teacher
Re: 1 more quick 2nd conditional question
Glad to help. really appreciate the link with activities above too - I'll use them with my teens.