as if/as though + past subjunctive

as if/as though + past subjunctive

The past subjunctive can be used after as if/as though to indicate unreality or improbability or doubt in the present (there is no difference between as if and as though):

He behaves as if he owned the place. (But he doesn't own it or probably doesn't own it or we don't know whether he owns it

or not.)

He talks as though he knew where she was. (But he doesn't know o he probably doesn't know or we don't know whether he knows or not.)

He orders me about as if I were his wife. (but I am not) The verb preceding as if/though can be put into a past tense without changing the tense of the subjunctive:

He talks/talked as though he knew where she was. After as if/as though we use a past perfect when referring to a real or imaginary action in the past:

He talks about Rome as though he had been there himself. (But he hasn't or probably hasn't or we don't know whether he has or not.) 

          Again, the verb preceding as if/though can be put into a past tense without changing the tense of the subjunctive:

He looks/looked as though he hadn't had a decent meal fora month.