If I Were, If She Were: Using Subjunctive Verbs With "If"

People have been asking why "If I were" and "If she were" are correct. How can were, a plural verb, be
correct with I and she, singular subjects? And does the rule really apply in 21st-century business writing?
These correct sentences illustrate the rule:
 If Mike's mother were alive, she would still be correcting his grammar.
 If the CEO were in the plant today, everyone would be nervous.
 If I were you, I would read this information about subjunctive verbs.
Those "if clauses" describe things that are contrary to fact. The subjunctive form were informs readers and
listeners instantly that Mike's mother is not living, the CEO is not in the plant today, and I am not you
(this one the audience already knows, of course).
The verb form you might have expected in those sentences is the simple past tense was, but these sentence
openers would be wrong for the sentences above:
 If Mike's mother was alive. . . .
 If the CEO was in the plant today. . . .
 If I was you. . . .
The reason the past tense is wrong is that it does not indicate that something is contrary to fact. It just
indicates that something is past and unknown, as was does in these sentences:
 If Mike's mother was alive, she did not want anyone to know her whereabouts.
 If the CEO was in the plant today, it was only for a short visit.
 If I was you, we must have magically traded places!
As odd as the subjunctive may seem if you are not used to using it in "if clauses," well-regarded reference
manuals still promote it with no apologies. I checked these volumes on my bookshelf: The Gregg Reference
Manual, The Associated Press Stylebook 2011, The Chicago Manual of Style 16th Edition, Garner's Modern
American Usage, and The American Heritage College Dictionary 4th Edition. Not one of them will let you off
the hook. According to their rules, you must use the subjunctive form were if you want to speak and write
correctly.
Test yourself with these sentences. Fill in the blank with were or was. Use were if the introductory clause
expresses something that is contrary to fact. Use was for a past tense in which the facts are not known.
1. If Abika _______ here, she would run an efficient meeting.
2. If my father _______ here, I did not see him.
3. If she _____ Chris, she would choose the University of Texas at Austin.
4. If Bala _____ retired, he would spend more time travelling in Western Europe.
5. If John ______ a Canadian citizen, we were not aware of that fact.
6. "If I ______ a Rich Man" is sung by poor Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof.
7. If Elizabeth Taylor ______ known for just one role, it would be Martha in Who's Afraid of
Virginia Woolf?
8. If it ______ raining, we would not be having such a great time camping.
9. If it ______ raining, we did not even notice it.
In those nine sentences, I would use were in six of them. (My grammar and spelling checker flagged three
of the six.) Do you agree?
1. If Abika were here [she is not here]
2. If my father was here [he may have been here]
3. If she were Chris [she is not Chris]
4. If Bala were retired [he is not retired]
5. If John was a Canadian citizen [he may have been]
6. "If I Were a Rich Man" [Tevye is not rich]
7. If Elizabeth Taylor were known for just one role [she is known for many roles]
8. If it were raining [it is not]
9. If it was raining [it may have been raining]
If you were I, you would be finished writing this blog post.
Questions? Suggestions? Thoughts?
Lynn
Syntax Training
August 07, 2011 in Grammar and Usage | Permalink
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using-subjunctive-verbs-with-if.html#sthash.zfU3Q2wY.dpuf

15 dos and don'ts about diet for high uric acid levels
Sobiya N. Moghul, Health Me Up | May 2, 2013, 12.00AM IST

High uric acid: 15 dos and don'ts about diet for high uric acid levels (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)
High uric acid level can be reduced with a change in diet. Doctors strongly recommend making simple changes in
diet like eliminating beef rolls and choosing green leafy vegetables, cabbage and high fiber foods instead for
regulating uric acid levels.

Dr. Sharad Kasarle, chief scientist of DSK Nutrition Research Center Pvt. Ltd helps us with a list of dos
and don'ts when choosing the right diet for high uric acid levels.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #1

High-fibre foods
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, adding foods high in dietary fibre may help
lower uric acid levels in your blood. Dietary fibre may help absorb uric acid in your bloodstream,
allowing it to be eliminated from your body through your kidneys. Increase the consumption of dietary
soluble fibres such as Isabgol, Oats, Spinach, Broccoli to name few.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #2

Cold-pressed olive oil

Use cold-pressed olive oil in cooking instead of shortening, butter or vegetable oils. Oils that have been
subjected to heat or processing turn rancid quickly. Rancid fats destroy vitamin E in your body - this
vitamin is necessary for controlling uric acid levels. Olive oil helps you avoid the production of excess
uric acid, which is associated with the consumption of rancid fats.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #3

Take in a healthy dose of vitamin C

To help reduce the amount of uric acid in your system, regularly taking 500 milligrams ofvitamin C will
decrease your uric acid levels in a month or two.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #4

Avoid bakery products

Avoid cakes, pastries, cookies and other sugary delights which are rich in saturated fats and trans fats.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #5

Celery seed extract

This is also a popular natural remedy for gout and uric acid problems. The seeds of the celery plant have
long been used to treat gout, rheumatism and arthritis. Celery possesses sedative, antioxidant and mild
diuretic action and is considered a urinary antiseptic. In rare cases, this herb is also used to treat
sleeplessness, anxiety and nervous breakdown. Although the seeds of this plant are often used in herbal
supplements, the roots may also be used.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #6

Antioxidant-rich foods
Fruits and vegetables such as red bell peppers, tomatoes, blueberries, broccoli and grapes are rich sources
of antioxidant vitamins. Antioxidants which are vitamins that prevent free radical molecules from
attacking your organ and muscle tissue cells may help lower uric acid levels.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #7

Cherries
Cherries contain chemical compounds that may help neutralise uric acid allowing your body to eliminate
this acid as waste. Some researchers recommend consuming 30 to 40 cherries every four hours during an
attack.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #8

Apple cider vinegar

It is believed that raw, apple cider vinegar can help alleviate high uric acid levels by changing the pH
values of your blood. But it has to be raw, un-distilled, un-pasteurised apple cider vinegar; the kind you
get from your local health food store.

Dr Sharad advices a simple home remedy, "Add 2 teaspoons of vinegar to a large glass of water and stir
thoroughly. Drink a glass between 2 and 3 times every day. You can also use it topically: half a cup added
to three cups of hot water and soak the affected area for 30 minutes. Reheat and repeat as necessary."

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #9

Saturated fat, trans fat, sugar and alcohol

All these affect your triglycerides, a type of fat that can clog your arteries and increase your risk for heart
attacks and strokes.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #10

High-fructose corn syrup

This is a type of sweetener in soft drinks and other processed foods that can elevate your levels of
triglyceride and uric acid - a chemical associated with diabetes, gout, alcoholism, kidney disease and
other health problems.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #11

Drink plenty of fluids to help flush uric acid from your body
Drink a minimum of 3 and 1/2 liters of water daily. Water is a medium that aids the kidney to 'strain' the
impurities from your body.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #12
Also avoid high-protein weight-loss diets which can cause you to produce too much uric acid
(hyperuricemia).

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #13
Limit meat, poultry and fish - animal proteins are high in purine and this will result in high uric acid
levels in the body

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #14

Limit or avoid alcohol

Alcohol interferes with the elimination of uric acid from your body. Drinking beer in particular has been
linked to gout attacks. If you are prone to uric acid attacks, limit alcohol consumption to one drink three
times a week.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #15

Choose complex carbohydrates

Eat more whole grains, fruits and vegetables and fewer refined carbohydrates such as white bread, cakes
and candy. Because foods rich in complex carbohydrates promote feelings of fullness, and prevent
overeating and are useful in maintaining a healthy weight.
Top 10 Yummiest Restaurants in Baguio
December 17, 2013 3:41pm

Tags: Baguio City

On the lookout for something yummy while in Baguio City, GMA News TV’s award-winning info-
tainment countdown show “Ang Pinaka” went up to the Summer Capital of the Philippines in search of
the top 10 hottest dining spots. Be sure to bring our list when you visit the City of Pines!

10. Canto

Canto is a ribs haven in Baguio City’s Ketchup Food Community, a food court of sorts made up of five al
fresco restaurants that showcase different themes and specialties.

Crowd favorites from Canto include their veggie pizza (P150), thin crust pizza topped with arugula and
alfalfa sprouts, and canto burger (P130). The ultimate bestseller, meanwhile, is the lomo ribs (P350) with
salad and mashed potatoes. For dessert, try the restaurant’s red velvet cake (P90)

Visit Canto, located inside the Ketchup Food Community, along Romulo Drive, Brgy. Lualhati, near
Wright Park.

9. Bliss Cafe

Bliss Cafe is the go-to place for organic vegetarian meals in Baguio. The restaurant takes inspiration from
Buddhist principles as evidenced not only by their vegetarian affair but also interiors. Little Buddha
statues and brass gongs serve as decorations. Aside from Buddhism-inspired items, contemporary
artworks are exhibited, as well as whimsical ones like the smiling paper mache horse that will greet you
at the entrance.

If you want to taste the bounty of Baguio right off the bat, try Bliss Cafe’s strawberry fields salad (P200)
heaped, of course, with fresh strawberries and tussled with arugula, iceberg lettuce and yogurt-honey
dressing.

For the ultimate cheat, order haiku (P75), Bliss Cafe’s vegetarian chicharon. Like the real deal, but light
and definitely guilt-free.
Try then heavier meals like the energetic embutido. The carrot and potato stuffing surprisingly has a
rather meaty flavor. Pair the embutido too with the Blissmix rice (P30), a combination Kalinga red red
and Isabela white rice

Go healthy in Baguio by visiting Bliss Cafe at the Hotel Elizabeth, 1 J. Felipe Corner Gibraltar Street.

8. Star Cafe

Star Cafe is a no-frills Chinese restaurant that also doubles as a bake shop. When you enter the resto, its
humongous round and square cinnamon bread will greet you. This item sells hot like pancakes, by the
way. For only P70, you can get an upsized version of cinnamon rolls that can rival your favorites from
Cinnabon.

Started in the1940’s, Star Cafe is considered the oldest restaurant in Baguio. Recipes that have been
served through the decades include their Star canton (P285), fried shrimp with ham (P500), and beef
broccoli.

The Star canton is heaped with seafood and crisp vegetables of the Benguet province. Pair the pancit with
the golden-fried camaron rebosado, shrimp meat and ham coated in bread crumbs. The fried shrimp with
ham, or camaron con jamon, is made flavorful by Star Cafe’s sweet and sour sauce. Their beef broccoli
(P290), meanwhile, is drenched in rich oyster sauce. The tender beef contrasts well with the crunchy
broccoli.

If you’re craving for good, old Chinese food, head on over to Star Cafe at 39 Session Road, Baguio City.

7. Iggy’s Inn and Bonuan Seafood Restaurant

The cozy and homey interiors of Iggy’s Inn and Bonuan Seafood Restaurant perfectly complement their
lutong-bahay meals. Dining in this resto makes you feel like you’re having lunch at your grandparents’
home.

Start healthy or just forget about your diet with Iggy’s kilawing kambing (P150) and chicharon bulaklak
(P165) appetizers. A light dish, the kilawin is heaped with thin slices of goat meat. The chicharon
bulaklak is crispy and tasty as expected. What’s different about Iggy’s version of this pulutan is that they
drain the fat from the mesentry. It’s as healthy as chicharon bulaklak could get.

For seafood viands, try the nilasing na hipon sa gin (P150) and inihaw na bangus (P180). The nilasing na
hipon is marinated for hours before being deep-fried. The inihaw na bangus packs in an earthy flavor.
The fish itself is also meaty. At Iggy’s, they choose the best seafood ingredients.

For dessert, make sure to try the leche flan (P45). Iggy’s leche flan is firm, creamy, and rich. The resto,
however, adds a twist by making you add calamansi juice on top of the leche flan. How does it taste? Try
it yourself by visiting Iggy’s at 25-A Southdrive Road, Baguio City.

6. Cafe Sabel

Cafe Sabel, BenCab’s perennial muse, is a tribute to the bounty of Baguio with their farm-to-table dishes.
Most of the ingredients at Cafe Sabel, particularly fruits and vegetables, are all plucked from their own
farm, making the restaurant a prime choice for foodies who want to go healthy while in the City of Pines.

A visit to Cafe Sabel is also a feast for the eyes. Located inside BenCab Museum, diners can opt to tour the
different galleries set-up by the famous National Artist for the Arts himself and partner local artists. The
restaurant itself is a pretty sight with contemporary artworks and framed exhibit posters of BenCab lining
the wall, and colorful chairs and tables giving the cafe a whimsical feel.

To start off your meal, go for Cafe Sabel’s farm fresh salad (P150) with strawberry vinaigrette dressing
(P150)---crisp iceberg lettuce and carrots tussled with alfafa sprouts and cherry tomatoes.

Try then Chef Mike’s personal favorite, spicy tuyo pasta (P190). The saltiness of the tuyo is
complemented by the strong flavors of basil leaves and chili. Don’t take big bites as the extra kick
towards the end may be too much handle.

BenCab’s favorite, meanwhile, is duck flakes rice meal (P250), a dish similar in concept to adobo flakes. If
you want to taste the full flavor of the shredded duck meat, try it without the accompanying combination
of black rice and highland rice. Mix it, however, with the egg salad to enhance the mild flavor of the meat.

For refreshments, try the resto’s lime juice with basil. A rather unique concoction, the sweetness of the
basil mixes well with the sourness of the lime syrup. End your meal with Cafe Sabel’s refreshing panna
cotta guava. The milky gelatin is not too overpowering, making the sweetness of the guava pulp stand
out.

Cafe Sabel is located at the Ground Level, BenCab Museum, Km 6. Asin Road, Baguio City.
5. Sage

Opened just this year, Sage is already creating some noise in Baguio’s culinary scene with their fusion of
Asian and Western dishes.

For starter meals, try their nacho platter supreme (P180) accompanied with four different dips: salsa,
cheese, Asian, and teriyaki. If you want something more light, order the shrimp pomelo salad with Thai
dressing (P180).

For heavier meals, the creamy bulalo steak (P260), a meal perfect for the cold chilly nights in Baguio.

Satisfy your sweet tooth then with the roti supreme (P180), roti topped with ice cream, peaches, and
condensed milk.

Visit Sage at 95 Military Cut-Off Road, Baguio City.

4. Mother’s Garden

Mother’s Garden has been serving healthy organic meals since 2010 and has been the go-to place of
tourists and locals who want to experience oasis in rapidly urbanizing Baguio City.

Bestsellers from their menu include the sausage platter (P279) and frutti di mare (P239) or fruits of the sea
as the pasta is full of shrimp, scallops, and other seafood. Try also When the Mountain Meets the Sea,
playfully named as the dish has both scallops and angus beef tenderloin flavored with red wine.

For something light, order Mother’s Garden Organic Salad (P209), vegetables and fruits fresh from the
restaurant’s garden mixed with homemade dressing and edible flowers.

Go organic at Mother’s Garden, located at Upper Fairview Road, Quezon Hill Proper, Baguio City.
3. Chef’s Home

One should not be fooled by the unassuming facade of Chef’s Home. This quaint hole-in-wall restaurant
is a culinary gem with its Asian fusion offerings by Chef Alvin, a Malaysian chef who left his executive
chef position in a hotel in Phuket, Thailand to be with his Filipina wife, who then was also working in the
same hotel as a lounge singer.

Trust us. The food is as juicy as their love story.

Start with something light by ordering the crispy papaya salad. A Thai dish, lime and peanuts serve as
the main flavoring of the papaya strips. Go for Thai again with Chef Alvin’s tom yum soup and taste the
gentle flavors of kaffir lime.

For a taste of something Pinoy, order the stir fried squid with salted egg. The salted egg was mashed to
make the sauce so the dish does not quite look appetizing. But don’t let looks deceive you! This meal had
host Maey B. begging Chef Alvin to open the restaurant on a Sunday so she could eat again.

The deep fried whole seabass, meanwhile, is a bit of a novel dish in terms of appearance, with the fish
positioned as if it’s still swimming. Taste-wise, it doesn’t disappoint. Chef Alvin prepares the fried
chunks both in chili basil and chili garlic lime. The sweetness of the basil works well with the chili. The
lime, on the other hand, provides a subtle zesty flavor.

For beverages, try the Teh tarik, the Malaysian version of milk-tea. Unlike commercial milk-teas we have
in the metro, the Teh tarik has a mild, sweet flavor. It’s also a simple concoction. No pearls or puddings
for this one.

Order the homemade roti Chef’s Home with banana and coffee sauce for dessert. The dish is similar in
concept to crepes but the chewy roti makes all the difference.

If you want to dine at Chef’s Home, better make a reservation (0916 444 5756). The restaurant only houses
around 5 to 7 tables as Chef Alvin is not to keen on expanding his food haven. He wants undivided
attention while cooking to provide customers with a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.

Quality over quantity for this hands-on chef.

Visit Chef’s Home at 13 Outlook Drive Corner Romulo Drive, Baguio City.
2. Happy Tummy

Happy Tummy is a restaurant located inside the Ketchup Food Community that can make any tummy
happy with their classic Thai dishes.

Happy Tummy’s tom yum (P150) has a thick consistency than most. The soup is full of plum tomatoes
and huge prawns. Another classic Thai dish, the pad thai (P150, is also a must-try. Try their chicken
pandan (P150) also and get to dip the already flavorful chicken meat in Happy Tummy’s tamarind
sauce.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, try the catfish with green mango salad (P150) and crispy tilapia with
tamarind sauce (P200).

Be happy at Happy Tummy, located at Barangay Lualhati, Romulo Drive, beside Wright Park.

1. O’ Mai Khan’

O’ Mai Khan’ literally means “come over,” a fitting name as locals and tourists flock the restaurant for
their Mongolian barbecue buffet (P150-210) and hot pot (P160-420).

Like most Mongolian buffet restos, you start off your buffet experience at O’ Mai Khan’ by choosing your
own meat, vegetables, and other ingredients to pile into your bowl. Because the restaurant is located in
Baguio, expect only the crunchiest and freshest vegetables.

If you want a different choice of rice meal, try O’ Mai Khan’s Ania Khan’s Bulgalbi (P240), or broiled beef
ribs, tartar’s chicken (P170)and shrimp tempura (P240). For something light, order Ania Khan’s Salad
(P110).

Come on over to O’ Mai Khan’ at Upper Session Road (Engineer’s Hill), Riza Park, Baguio.