The phrase "if only chivalry were dead" sounds right, but is it grammatically wrong? I would like to know if I should be using 'were' or 'was'. This is for a mock press release for university.
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"If only chivalry were dead"is perfectly correct and can be explained under the grammatical structure known as subjunctive mood - wishful expressions. Another example is: I wish I were there. This implies that I was not there and regret that. If "was" were to be used, the sentence would not achieve the same effect and possibly meaning too. Thank you.
FKS
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In this situation, "be" is being used in a past tense (or past subjunctive tense).
When used with I, we, you, and they, the correct past tense form of "be" is were.
When used with he, she, or it, the correct past tense form of "be" is was.
That being said, the subjunctive form allows for were to be used in all above situations, and sounds more formal.
Therefore, the correct phrase, IMO, would be:
If only chivalry were dead.
Hank
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