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Originally Posted by TStone
Quote:
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Originally Posted by ice
And now for something Completely different:
DOTN;
I thought it would only be the nicest thing in the world if I told you that it would be "If only vampires were real". Using "are" in that situation is incorrect grammar. Now, do ten pushups, and recite "Old Father William"
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Ahem
Were implies that they existed at some point in the past, are implies that they currently hold residents at the 1600 block on a certain avenue. If DOTN likes to think they exist now, then by all means are away.
The problem with the grammar is with the words "if only" which are past indicative words, and don't work well with present tense thoughts...that and the fact the whole thing is an incomplete sentence, but I'm ok with incomplete sentences...
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Not only past indicative, but also gives an inherent definition of non-existence/occurrence to the subject. Whereas "are" implies existence of the subject, as you noted. So it's a grammar/tense agreement double whammy.
*ahem*
*folds hands*
"You are old, father William," the young man said,
"And your hair has become very white;
And yet you incessantly stand on your head --
Do you think, at your age, it is right?"