| Element | FORM/USE: 'WERE' + PRONOUN + 'TO' INFINITIVE, FORMAL |
|---|---|
| SuperCat | CLAUSES |
| SubCat | subordinated |
| Lexical Range | N/A |
| Level | C2 |
| Cando | Can use 'Were' + pronoun + 'to' infinitive to introduce a condition, in formal contexts. |
| Corrected Learner Example | Were I to choose one of them, I would select the last one, so that I could have the opportunity to take part in my favourite radio station's programme. (Greece; C2 MASTERY; 2005; Greek; Fail) Were you to need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. (Switzerland; C2 MASTERY; 1998; French; Fail) Were we to give them this opportunity, it would not only be a great advantage for them but for the future of our society as well. (Greece; C2 MASTERY; 2003; Greek; Pass) Were they to be paid a sufficient sum, say, equivalent or even more than their current pay-check, they would be inclined to give up their jobs. (Cyprus; C2 MASTERY; 2000; Greek; Pass) |
| Uncorrected Learner Example | |
| Comments | Note this is instead of 'If' + pronoun + 'were to' infinitive… so it involves ellipsis and inversion. |
