Want to know a way to sound smart instantly? Use the subjunctive mood correctly!
What is the subjunctive mood? My brilliant colleague, Miss Acton, describes it as when something isn't real or true. It's when you say something like "I wish I were asleep right now" or "If only I were a rock star." That probably sounds kind of funny to you, right? Many times, people say things like "I wish I was asleep right now" or "If only I was a rock star."
In most cases, you'll probably get away with this because it's so prevalent. For instance, in this Gwen Stefani song from 2004, she uses the subjunctive incorrectly. She should be singing, "If I were a rich girl..."
Heck, I have only recently (in the past few years) tried to force myself to use the subjunctive correctly. But, if you are in a situation where you want impress someone (your teacher, your boss, etc.), you should really try to use the subjunctive correctly.
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I've always said "I wish I were asleep" or "If only I were a rock star". One would have to be a dummkopf if he said "was" in those situations, yet I hear it often. Oh well. What can one do when teachers don't teach it or know it?
ReplyDeleteI think many people use incorrect grammar when they're speaking. It's easier to make a mistake when you're speaking quickly and not putting a lot of thought into your words.
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