Grammar

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Using "since", "while" and "whereas"

"While" and "Whereas" to contrast ideas ("whereas" is more formal, usually used in writing)

"Since" to give a reason for something (more formal, in place of because)

Since we need to improve efficiency, we are introducing an employee incentive program

While many of you work hard, there are others who take advantage of the flexible schedule

Logan remains positive about the changes, while Susannah has a negative attitude about the changes

Whereas Logan thinks the employee incentive program is exciting, Susannah is not so enthusiastic

You think this change is not very important, whereas he thinks the changes will benefit the employees

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Linking words: ‘as if’ and ‘as though’

Both as if and as though are used to describe a person or situation:

It’s as if she knew which answers would get readers on her side.

It’s as though she knew which answers would get readers on her side.

After ‘as if’ and ‘as though’ to describe unreal situations, we can use were after the subject, even if the subject usually takes was.

Even though Edward has just started working in our department, he acts as if he were an expert on all our procedure.

The past subjunctive used after as if and as though indicates that the situation is unreal in the present. A present tense verb after as if and as though shows that we are talking about real and possible situations in the present.

Sam looks as if he knows the solution --> It's possible Sam knows the solution

Sam looks as if he knew the solution --> Sam (probably) doesn't know the solution OR we don't know whether he knows or not

Sam looks as if he were rich --> Unreal situation

It seems as though Julia has all the information we need --> Real situation

Did you notice that we use the present simple after ‘as if’ and ‘as though’ to describe something that is thought to be real? Further, we use the past simple to describe something that is not believed to be real.

Real situation: They are so relaxed, it’s as though they have no worries at all.

Unreal situation: Jeff looks as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Did you notice that we use the present perfect after ‘as if’ and ‘as though’ to describe something that was thought to be real in the past? Further, we use the past perfect to describe something that is not believed to be real.

Real situation: Ursula finishes her reports so quickly, it’s as though she has written similar ones many times in the past.

Unreal situation: Ian’s face is so red, it’s as if he had eaten a whole hot pepper!