Phraseith "As If He Was/Were"

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
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Charley looked as if he were not entirely sure that the question would would keep so long.

– why, really he looked as if he was afraid I would bite him.

Why is one was, and the other were?

2

Hi,
Generally we can use “were” instead of “was” in connditional sentences type 2 , … as if/though and subject+wish+subject in a formal way.
In addition,“were” is used in a SUBJUNCTIVE form,referring to actions which are possibilities rather than facts:I wish I were rich.
Regards,
Morteza

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Incidentally, you might be interested in this: Essay ‘Wish you were here’ Another of Alan’s essays that illustrates the use of the subjunctive.[YSaerTTEW443543]

TOEIC short conversations: Inviting participants for a customer research panel[YSaerTTEW443543]

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Hi Dear Torsten,
Nice to meet you again.
Many thanks,
Morteza