Q.
When a dependent clause begins with the word "if", is the verb contained
therein always plural. For example, "If Pediatrics were in Washington,
would we be able to cover it?"
A.
This is partly right. When an "if" clause makes a statement that is improbable or
"contrary to fact," it requires a verb in the subjunctive form. The link below explains
a little more about subjunctive:
subjunctive
Back to The Grammar Doctor Answers Your Question