"as if it were originally" vs "as if it had been originally"

Question

"as if it were originally" vs "as if it had been originally"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'As if it were originally' is used when talking about a hypothetical situation in the present, while 'as if it had been originally' is used when referring to a hypothetical situation in the past.

Last Updated: March 29, 2024

This phrase is used to describe a hypothetical situation in the present that seems like it was the original state or condition.

Examples:

He presented the information as if it were originally part of the report.
The painting looked as if it were originally created in the Renaissance period.

Alternatives:

as if it had been originally
as if it was originally

This phrase is used to describe a hypothetical situation in the past that seems like it was the original state or condition.

Examples:

She spoke about the house as if it had been originally built in the 1800s.
The story sounded as if it had been originally written in Spanish.

Alternatives:

as if it were originally
as if it was originally

Answer 1

as if it were originally

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a hypothetical situation in the present.

Answer 2

as if it had been originally

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a hypothetical situation in the past.

"as if it were originally" vs "as if it had been originally"

as if it were originally

as if it had been originally

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