“If I Was” Or “If I Were”?

Today we have a GREAT question from a student who asked:

“Which is correct – if I was… or if I were…?”

The answer is that we use BOTH in English, but in different situations!

We'll give you some good examples to make it clear.

“IF I WERE” – IMAGINARY SITUATIONS

We use “If I were…” in imaginary situations – for example:

• “If I were an animal, I’d be a cat” – obviously I’m not really an animal, I’m just imagining it.
• There’s a song by Beyoncé called “if I were a boy” – she’s talking about what she would do if she were male instead of female; this is an imaginary situation, not a real possibility.

Here are some more examples:

• If I were you, I’d take that job – it seems like a good opportunity.

          (I’m telling the other person what I would do if I were in their situation)

• I’d buy a house on the beach if I were rich.

          (I’m not rich, but I’m imagining being rich)

• If I were taller, I’d join the basketball team.

          (I’m definitely not very tall in real life, but I can imagine what I would do if I were taller)

“IF I WAS” – REAL POSSIBILITY IN THE PAST

We use “If I was…” when we are talking about a past situation that was really possible:

• I’m sorry if I was rude.

          (it’s possible that I was actually rude)

• I’m not sure if I was right or wrong to end the relationship.

          (it’s possible that I was right to take that action, it’s also possible that I was wrong)

• If I was drunk last night, then you shouldn’t have let me drive home.

          (it’s a real possibility that I really was drunk last night)

• My teacher always yelled at me if I was late to class.

          (sometimes I was really late, and in those cases my teacher always yelled at me)

However, in casual spoken English, many native speakers are starting to use “if I was” even in imaginary situations, for example:

• I’m an administrative assistant. I’d make more money if I was a lawyer.

Technically, it should be “if I were a lawyer,” but the incorrect use is becoming more and more common when speaking informally.

REVIEW:

• Use “if I were” for imaginary situations
• Use “if I was” for past situations that were really possible