Many learners wonder whether they should say 'If I were' or 'If I was'. This guide explains the difference clearly with rules, examples, and easy ways to sound natural in both formal and everyday English.
This guide walks you through the grammar, the logic behind each phrase, and the real-life usage patterns native speakers follow. You’ll also get examples, comparisons, and interactive practice to help the rules stick naturally.
The phrase “If I were” is traditionally used for impossible, imaginary, or unreal situations. This form is part of the subjunctive mood, a special structure used to talk about ideas that are not true or not real.
We use If I were when:
This structure is more common in formal writing, polite expressions, and careful speech. Many traditional grammar rules still recommend “If I were” in unreal conditionals.
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| If I were rich, I would travel. | Imaginary situation — not true right now. |
| If she were a bird, she would fly away. | Completely impossible condition. |
Think of “If I were” as the form used for dreams, wishes, fantasies, and hypotheticals.
The phrase “If I was” is used when the condition refers to a real situation in the past, even if you’re not sure it happened. It does not describe imaginary or impossible situations. Instead, it deals with real possibilities.
We use If I was when:
In everyday conversation, many native speakers say “If I was” even in hypothetical situations, but it is not preferred in formal writing.
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| If I was late, it was because of traffic. | A real possibility in the past. |
| If he was angry, he didn't say anything. | Uncertain past condition. |
Think of “If I was” as something connected to real events or uncertainty about the past.
Seeing both forms together helps clarify when each one is correct.
| Situation | If I Were | If I Was |
|---|---|---|
| Imaginary condition | If I were you, I’d take the job. | ❌ Not preferred |
| Real past possibility | ❌ Not appropriate | If I was wrong, tell me. |
| Uncertain past truth | ❌ Not appropriate | If he was here, I didn’t see him. |
| Wishful thinking | If I were a millionaire… | ❌ Not preferred |
The key difference is whether the situation is real or imaginary. In formal writing, the distinction is strictly enforced because it helps the reader immediately understand the speaker's perspective. If you start a sentence with "If I were," the reader knows you're about to share a dream or a piece of advice. If you start with "If I was," they expect a clarification about a real event that happened in the past.
Mastering this comparison allows you to switch between casual storytelling and academic precision without losing your audience's trust. While "was" is creeping into hypothetical usage in pop songs and movies, "were" remains the gold standard for anyone looking to sound truly proficient in English.
When giving advice, we almost always use "If I were you." This is a fixed expression. Even speakers who use "was" in other hypotheticals usually stick to "were" here because it softens the suggestion, making it less direct and more polite.
"If I were you, I would start saving money now."
Think of it this way: Since you can never actually be another person, the situation is permanently imaginary. Therefore, "were" is the only logical choice. Using "If I was you" can sound like a major grammatical error even in very casual settings.
Many learners (and even native speakers) use “If I was” in all situations. While this is acceptable in casual speech, it can sound incorrect in formal writing, business emails, or language proficiency exams like the TOEFL or IELTS.
The confusion usually stems from the fact that "was" is the standard past tense for "I" and "he/she/it." However, the subjunctive mood (using "were") exists specifically to signal that we are stepping away from reality. When you skip the "were," you lose that subtle signal, which can occasionally lead to confusion in complex sentences.
Keep these tips in mind to stay on track:
If you forget the rule, just think of the song "If I Were a Boy." She uses "were" because she is not actually a boy—it's completely imaginary!
Shortcut to remember:
WERE = unreal / WAS = real past
Answers:
were / was / were / was
⭐ Pro Tip: In formal writing, “If I were” is always safe for unreal situations — even if many native speakers say “If I was” casually.
The difference between “If I were” and “If I was” comes down to whether the situation is imaginary or connected to real events. While it might seem like a small detail, mastering the subjunctive mood is a sign of an advanced English learner. It shows that you understand the nuances of the language beyond just basic communication.
By using "were" for hypotheticals and "was" for real possibilities, you add a layer of precision to your writing and speech that will impress teachers, employers, and native speakers alike. Start practicing by thinking of one "unreal" wish and one "possible" past event today—you'll find that with a bit of repetition, choosing the right form becomes second nature.