When as if or as though compares a situation to something imagined to have happened earlier, the clause uses the past perfect regardless of the main verb’s tense, as in she spoke as if she had been there. This contrasts with as if plus the past simple, which describes an unreal state happening at the same time.
Grammar Rule
When as if/as though compares to something imagined to have happened before the main verb’s time, the clause uses the past perfect regardless of the main verb’s tense. This contrasts with as if + past simple (unreal, simultaneous state) and as if + present (possibly true). Use had + past participle whenever the comparison points to an earlier, unreal event.
Subjunctive with As If / As Though + Past Perfect: Rules and Examples
| Form | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| As if/as though + past perfect | unreal event before the main verb’s time | She spoke as if she had been there. |
| As if + past simple | unreal state simultaneous with main clause | He acts as if he owned the place. |
Remember: Use had + past participle after as if/as though whenever the comparison refers to an earlier, unreal event.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using as if or as though with the past perfect correctly. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
C1-09 Subjunctive with As If / As Though + Past Perfect
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does as if take the past perfect?
When comparing to something imagined to have happened before the main verb’s time, as in she spoke as if she had been there.
When does as if take the past simple instead?
When describing an unreal state happening at the same time as the main clause, as in he acts as if he owned the place.
What form follows as if in this structure?
Had plus the past participle, as in she spoke as if she had been there.
Are as if and as though interchangeable here?
Yes, both take the same tense patterns in this structure.