I'm not sure if this is a satisfactory answer, but the OED entry for "as" cites "as it were" as meaning "as if it were so." It's clearly elliptical and counterfactual, so the "were" represents the old subjunctive rather than the plural. But the OED does not say, and I don't know, whether "as it were" derives historically from "as if it were so."
Herb
________________________________
From: Assembly for the Teaching of English Grammar [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Myers, Marshall
Sent: Monday, February 22, 2010 1:42 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Mondegreens
ATEG Members:
I wonder if anybody can help me understand the use and the odd syntax of the expression, "as it were."
When do we use the expression? What do we call such expressions? Why is the noun phrase singular and the verb plural?
I have some ideas of my own, but I'd like to get your explanations, too.
Marshall Myers
Eastern Kentucky University
From: Assembly for the Teaching of English Grammar [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of MARLOW, DAVID
Sent: Monday, February 22, 2010 12:11 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Mondegreens
The "Chester Droors" question goes deeper than the average Mondegreen...
Some may be interested in this article:
The Story of Chester Drawers
Allison Burkette
American Speech 76.2 (2001) 139-157
Best,
D
David W. Marlow, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Linguistics and ESOL
Vice President/President Elect - Carolina TESOL
University of South Carolina - Upstate
800 University Way
Spartanburg, SC 29303
864.503.5849
From: Assembly for the Teaching of English Grammar [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Dick Veit
Sent: Monday, February 22, 2010 9:30 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Mondegreens
One of my comp students wrote about his girlfriend, whose framed picture he lovingly kept atop his "Chester droors." [chest of drawers]
Another told me of the prayer she recited each night as a child:
Now I lay me down to sleep.
I pray the Lord my soda key.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soda cake. [soul to keep, soul to take]
Dick Veit
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