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soundwavv
11 jan 2015

  • Chinês Simplificado (China)
  • Inglês (EUA)
  • Inglês (Reino Unido)
  • Francês (França)
Pergunta sobre Inglês (EUA)

"He looks as if he knew the answer."
"He looks as if he knows the answer." Is the second sentence correct grammar-wise? (If so, the speaker doesn't think "he knows the answer" in the first sentence. But in 2nd one the speaker does. True..?)

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carflannel
11 jan 2015

  • Inglês (EUA)

Yes, it is correct. But the meaning is a little different.

"He looks as if he knew the answer." -> He looks like he knew the answer to something that happened previously.
Ex: He did not speak up, but he looks as if he knew the answer.

"He looks as if he knows the answer." -> He looks as if he knows the answer to something that is happenin right now.
Ex: He does not say anything, but he looks as if he knows the answer.

Does that help? :)

soundwavv
11 jan 2015

  • Chinês Simplificado (China)
Thanks for the answer! :) I was reading verb be past subjunctive after "as if", it says it suggest he actually doesn't know. (I wonder if present tense "know" implies "i" think he does know. )

Sorry, my question was a bit confusing :p

So "he doesn't really know" or "he knew something from the past", either meaning can be read from "...as if he knew..."?
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carflannel
12 jan 2015

  • Inglês (EUA)

Don't worry! I think I understand your questions now. :)

The phrase "as if he knew" conveys an uncertainty, as if it could go either way.

Both sentences imply that "you" think he does know.

I'm not sure there is a way to suggest that he doesn't really know without adding another clause. The English subjunctive is not something that is used very widely...

Is my explanation clear? Feel free to ask if you have any more questions. :)

soundwavv
12 jan 2015

  • Chinês Simplificado (China)
Yes, very clear and helpful :) thanks a lot!
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"He looks as if he knew the answer." "He looks as if he knows the answer." Is the second sentence correct grammar-wise? (If so, the speaker doesn't think "he knows the answer" in the first sentence. But in 2nd one the speaker does. True..?)
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