How to use If I were and If I was 

These two phrases often confuse learners and native speakers alike! Let’s take a closer look at the difference between “If I were” and “If I was”, and when to use each one correctly. 

Look at the two following sentences. Why do we use were in the first sentence and was in the second. 

If I were rich, I would buy you a car. 

If she was feeling sick, it’s good that she went home. 

They both look like conditional sentences, but the grammar behind them is quite different.

When to use “If I were” 

Use “If I were” when talking about things that aren’t true, or when you wish something was true. 

This is called the subjunctive mood, and although it’s becoming less common in everyday speech, it’s still considered correct, especially in formal English. 

If I Were Examples 

• If I were you, I would study harder. (It is impossible for me to be you; this is advice) 

• If I were less shy, I’d go dancing.  (This is imaginary) 

• If Jake were here, he’d love this band. (He’s not; this is hypothetical) 

Tip: Use “were”, not “was” after I/he/she/it when using the subjunctive mood. 

When to use “If I was” 

Use “If I was” when talking about real situations; things that possibly or probably happened in the past. It is used in the standard past tense, without the subjunctive. 

If I Was Examples 

• If I was rude earlier, I apologise. (It’s possible that I was rude.) 

• If she was tired, it makes sense that she left early. (She may have been tired.) 

• If he was here, I don’t remember. (He might have been here.) 

Key tip to remember 

• Use “were” for unreal or imaginary situations (dreams, wishes, advice). 

• Use “was” for real past possibilities.