Meaning

by **Yrlee** Tue Jan 06, 2009 6:32 pm

Verbal strategy 3rd edition pg 33

#9 if she knew about it vs if she had known about it

I can't understand the answer explantion for the different meaning betweeen the original sententence & boldface sample.

Can you explain?

by **JonathanSchneider** Thu Jan 15, 2009 1:09 am

First, you should review the use of the subjunctive mood. Here the subjunctive is used to express an "unreality" to the situation: basically, that she did not know about the party.

The phrase "if she knew" leaves doubt as to whether or not she knew. However, we want to express that she did NOT know. The subjunvtive does this.