"was to pay" or "were to pay"

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miseri - 14 Jan 2009 20:50 GMT

Which is the correct verb here "was" or "were"? I've been using
‘Network’ as singular noun all the way through this report as it’s a
single unit in this context; however, “…was to pay…” just seems/sounds
a bit odd to me.

“The Network feels it would be more consistent and manageable if it
was to pay for the scheme on a...”

“The Network feels it would be more consistent and manageable if it
were to pay for the scheme on a...”

Thanks

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Marius Hancu - 14 Jan 2009 21:09 GMT

> “The Network feels it would be more consistent and manageable if it
> was to pay for the scheme on a...”
>
> “The Network feels it would be more consistent and manageable if it
> were to pay for the scheme on a...”

IMO, you need "were." It can be replaced by "was" but only in non-
formal writing and it doesn't seem to be the case.

Marius Hancu

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jerry_friedman@yahoo.com - 14 Jan 2009 22:10 GMT

> Which is the correct verb here "was" or "were"? I've been using
> ‘Network’ as singular noun all the way through this report as it’s a
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> Thanks

Your question has been answered, so I'll just suggest reconsidering
your use of two "it"s with different meanings so close to each other.

--
Jerry Friedman

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Discussion Groups / English Usage / January 2009

"was to pay" or "were to pay"