If I were he, I would lay that manuscript on the sofa and keep it away from
the kitchen table.
(A) If I were he, I would lay
(B) If I were him, I would lay
(C) If I were he, I would lie
(D) If I was he, I would lay
(E) If I was he, I would lie
Answer:[spoiler]
The correct answer is (A). The various answer choices in this example
contain three places where an error may occur: was or were; he or him; and lay
or lie. The correct choices from the three pairs of alternatives are were because
the first clause is contrary to fact (the I is not he) and therefore requires the
subjunctive mood of the verb (I were rather than the normal, or indicative,
mood, I was); he because whenever a form of the verb to be is used (in this case,
were), the pronouns on both sides of the verb must be subjects (the I is a
subject, and the he is a predicate nominative); and lay, which means “to put
or place,” not lie, which means “to recline” (an error of diction).[/spoiler]
What is your choice ?
the kitchen table.
(A) If I were he, I would lay
(B) If I were him, I would lay
(C) If I were he, I would lie
(D) If I was he, I would lay
(E) If I was he, I would lie
Answer:[spoiler]
The correct answer is (A). The various answer choices in this example
contain three places where an error may occur: was or were; he or him; and lay
or lie. The correct choices from the three pairs of alternatives are were because
the first clause is contrary to fact (the I is not he) and therefore requires the
subjunctive mood of the verb (I were rather than the normal, or indicative,
mood, I was); he because whenever a form of the verb to be is used (in this case,
were), the pronouns on both sides of the verb must be subjects (the I is a
subject, and the he is a predicate nominative); and lay, which means “to put
or place,” not lie, which means “to recline” (an error of diction).[/spoiler]
What is your choice ?
