There’s a one-word key to finding the answer: subjunctive. That’s the term for the grammar dynamic that determines whether “was” or “were” is best here. Armed with that one little word, you can ...

AFTER our rigorous three-part review of the subjunctive, this form of the English language should no longer hold any terrors for us. But even with a good grasp of the subjunctive, we must remain ...

For grammar bullies “the subjunctive” is sacred ground. Reforms proposed for the British national curriculum in 2012 required teaching use of the subjunctive not later than sixth grade. People seem to ...

My $18 Associated Press Stylebook wouldn’t tell me. My $8 Strunk and White’s “The Elements of Style” wouldn’t tell me. My $55 “Chicago Manual of Style” wouldn’t tell me. “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to ...