In hypothetical, contrary-to-fact conditional clauses, formal English uses were for every subject, as in if I were rich, I would travel more. If I was uses the ordinary past indicative for a real, possible past situation, and the fixed phrase if I were you always keeps were.
Grammar Rule
In hypothetical, contrary-to-fact conditional clauses, formal English uses were for every subject — the subjunctive. If I was uses the ordinary past indicative for a real, possible past situation, not a hypothetical one. Confusing the two, or using was in the fixed phrase if I were you, are the most frequent errors.
If I Were vs If I Was: Rules and Examples
| Form | Situation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| If I were | hypothetical, contrary-to-fact (formal) | If I were rich, I would travel more. |
| If I was | real, uncertain past fact | If I was rude yesterday, I’m sorry. |
Remember: Were is for hypothetical, unreal situations (formal); was is for real, uncertain past facts — if I were you is a fixed idiom that always keeps were.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below choosing correctly between if I were and if I was. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
If I Were vs If I Was Exercises (CEFR C2)
Click «Start the test» to begin right away — no signup required. You can get a personalized certificate with your name and score at the end, if you want one.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is if I were used?
In hypothetical, contrary-to-fact conditional clauses, as in if I were rich, I would travel more.
When is if I was used?
For a real, uncertain past situation, as in if I was rude yesterday, I’m sorry.
Does if I were you ever change to if I was you?
No, that fixed phrase always keeps were.
What is the most frequent error with these forms?
Confusing the two, or using was in the fixed phrase if I were you.