CLEAR!!

This topic has expert replies
Legendary Member
Posts: 510
Joined: Thu Aug 07, 2014 2:24 am
Thanked: 3 times
Followed by:5 members

CLEAR!!

by j_shreyans » Mon Sep 08, 2014 2:31 am
"If it was opening" is always incorrect. For a possible future event in an "if" clause, you should normally use the present tense and the indicative mood: "If it opens". [If you wanted to indicate skepticism about the possibility that the store will open, you could use the subjunctive mood. But the correct way to do that would be to say "If it opened" or "If it were to open" or "If it were opening".]


Guys ,

My question is can we use were with IT as you see in the above statement it mentions OR can you pls clear the above bold line
Source: — Sentence Correction |

Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 147
Joined: Mon Jul 21, 2014 3:52 pm
Thanked: 53 times
Followed by:21 members

by David@GMATPrepNow » Mon Sep 08, 2014 7:50 am
Hi j_shreyans,

"If it were to open" is correct.

The above phrase is written in the subjunctive mood. As a reminder, the subjunctive is used to express situations that are hypothetical or not yet realized and is typically used for what is imagined, hoped for, demanded, or expected.

Legendary Member
Posts: 510
Joined: Thu Aug 07, 2014 2:24 am
Thanked: 3 times
Followed by:5 members

by j_shreyans » Mon Sep 08, 2014 8:15 pm
Hi ,

So when should we use "If it were to open " and how about "If it were opening"

and i am in doubt that can we use were wit it?

Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 147
Joined: Mon Jul 21, 2014 3:52 pm
Thanked: 53 times
Followed by:21 members

by David@GMATPrepNow » Tue Sep 09, 2014 10:45 am
Hey j_shreyans,

Both of them can be correctly used. Which one you pick depends on the meaning you wish to convey, because they each suggest slightly different time frames in which subsequent action might take place. Take a look at these two close examples:

If it (a door) were to open, I would go through it.

If it were opening, I would get out of the way (and then go though it).

I hope this helps.

• Page 1 of 1