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katydidnt · 61-69, F
Bottom line - the subjunctive mood is firmly part of English, but people often fail to use it where it is appropriate. Newscasters, even presidents, miss using it. That's too bad, as they're just the people who keep our language proper--not snooty--proper, by using good examples. We Americans are lagging; it's too bad we don't have regular broadcasts of BBC to steady our rudder's wobble. Fail to use subjunctive mood where it applies, and set some of us cringing. Lose subjunctive and an important subtlety of expression is lost.
Once again:
If I was there yesterday, I would need a witness to confirm it today (because I don't remember being there yesterday.)
If I were there yesterday, I wouldn't need to show a parent's written absence excuse today.
Once again:
If I was there yesterday, I would need a witness to confirm it today (because I don't remember being there yesterday.)
If I were there yesterday, I wouldn't need to show a parent's written absence excuse today.