Clarifying the Use of ‘Are’ and ‘Were’ in Conditional Sentences

The proper use of tenses in English can often be confusing, especially when it comes to conditional sentences. The sentence in question – 'It is too high for you to reach so you cannot reach that unless you are tall.' – highlights a common misunderstanding about when to use 'are' versus 'were' in conditional scenarios. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of these tenses and provide clarity on their usage.

Understanding Conditional Sentences

Conditional sentences in English describe hypothetical situations and their potential outcomes. They can be categorized into different types, each with its own structure and nuances. When dealing with present or future time, we typically use the present simple or future simple tense in the condition clause, and the 'would' form or the simple present in the main clause.

The Role of ‘Are’ in Conditional Sentences

In the sentence 'It is too high for you to reach so you cannot reach that unless you are tall,' the correct form to use is 'are.'

Here’s why: The sentence is in the present tense. It states a general rule or observation about the situation rather than a hypothetical event. Therefore, 'are' is the appropriate choice.

The sentence essentially means that something (represented by 'that') is in a position that can only be accessed by someone who is tall. The speaker is stating an observable fact within the realm of reality.

The Subjunctive Mood and ‘Were’

Some people might argue that 'were' should be used instead, particularly after 'unless.' However, in English, 'were' is not typically used in present or future conditional sentences.

For example, in the sentence 'You cannot reach that unless you are tall' or 'You could reach that only if you were tall,' the use of 'are' and 'were' respectively reflects the conditional nature based on current or hypothetical circumstances.

Understanding the Grammar

'Can' in the sentence 'It is too high for you to reach so you cannot reach that' brings us out of the realm of possibilities into a definite condition. If the condition aligns with reality (i.e., whether or not you can physically reach), we do not need to use the subjunctive mood.

Only when we are dealing with hypothetical or unlikely situations that are not tied to current reality do we use the subjunctive mood with 'were.' For instance, 'I insist that you were present at the meeting' uses the subjunctive to express a condition that is contrary to fact or is otherwise not in reality.

Conclusion

In the sentence 'It is too high for you to reach so you cannot reach that unless you are tall,' the correct form is 'are.' This is because the sentence is stating a general, observable reality rather than a hypothetical situation.

Understanding the use of 'are' and 'were' in conditional sentences can help clarify complex grammatical structures and ensure that your writing and speech are accurate and clear.

Keywords: conditional sentences, subjunctive mood, English grammar