as if | as though (COMPARISON) – English Grammar Profiler
The phrases “as if” and “as though” are used to express that something is like something else, but it is not actually the same. They can be used to compare things that are similar, or to describe something that is imaginary or hypothetical.
Here are two very similar points at different levels under clauses and comparatives in the English Grammar Profile. They are unusual because the B1, the lower level of English ability, contains more complexity and is based more on natural collocation. Indeed, to adhere to B2 definitions, one must avoid what vocabulary collocates most naturally.
EGP B2 Point 90 is defined as:
‘as if’ or ‘as though’ + finite clause to introduce a second clause as a comparison.
Here are examples without ‘verbs of the senses’:
It‘s as if it‘s speaking to me.
listen
The speaker is saying that the object seems to be communicating with them, even though it is not actually a person.
You have acted as if you do, but I doubt that you do.
listen
EGP B1 Point 70 is defined as:
verbs of the senses + ‘as if’ or ‘as though’ + finite clause.
So, I feel as though I were in a public square.
listen
*notice the subjunctive ‘were’ in the above example. The speaker is saying that they feel as if they are in a public square, even though they are not actually there. This could be because they are feeling overwhelmed by the number of people around them, or because they feel exposed and vulnerable.
I saw people lining up to buy tickets tonight who looked as if they were spending their last dollar.
listen
These grammar points are extended by PEARSON GSE 71 B2+
‘as if/as though’ with the past perfect to refer to hypothetical (counterfactual) circumstances in the past.
complement clause (equivalent to third conditional)‘as if/as though’ with the past simple to refer to hypothetical or counterfactual circumstances.
complement clause (equivalent to second conditional)
Counterfactual means:
relating to or expressing what has not happened or is not the case.
EXPERT EXAMPLES:
It was as though time had stopped.
TED
But it was as if this man in this alley had offered me a lifeline.
TED
A search in COCA for:
_V as if|though * had _VVN
1 WAS AS IF NOTHING HAD HAPPENED 9 2 ACTING AS IF NOTHING HAD HAPPENED 8 3 ACTED AS IF NOTHING HAD HAPPENED 6 4 ACT AS IF NOTHING HAD HAPPENED 6
5 ACT AS IF NOTHING HAD CHANGED 5