Many times we encounter situations where we fall short of correct words. Forexample, we know where to use was and were in general, but if we are to use them withspecific phrases, it might get confusing. In this article, let usexplore this concept with examples.

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Was vs WereAs simple as that, in past tense, was is used for singular noun/pronoun and were for plural. For example, I was going to the market and we were going to the market.If I wasThis is a situation that could have happened. That’s because it has an ‘if’ clause. If the situation has happened, the result will follow. For example –As a general rule, use If I was + adjective + present tense (in the then clause). Each sentence above is true or real and the then clause has the result of the if clause. For example, if I wasn’t clear (which perhaps I wasn’t) – so I apologize. Same way, he probably is a ‘pain in the ass’ and hence we wouldn’t take him along. The third one is a question. We can as well say ‘If I was good, then select me’.Use ‘if I was’ for real situations that are in indicative mood.If I wereUsed in a subjunctive mood, ‘if I were’ indicates an unreal situation. Something that can never happen. You are imagining a situation, that isn’t true yet or cannot be true.Remember, these are hypothetical situations. In general, use If I were + noun + wouldSome confusing sentencesIf I was present, I would have taken care of the situation. – X (wrong)If I Was vs. If I WereThe correct sentence should be – if I had been there – because this is a hypothetical situation.If I was present, I would take care of the situation. – X (wrong)The situation was not taken care of, so clearly the statement is not true. Hence, we should use ‘were’ and not ‘was’.If I were present, I would have taken care of the situation – X (wrong)Again, with ‘were’, you should use would take care of and not participle form (have taken). As a general rule, use participle with participle.If I were a boy, I would happily roam outside all night.If I had been a boy, I would have happily roamed outside all night.There are two differences in the above sentences –“I saw all the boys chatting and enjoying themselves, starting at the moon from the stable.

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That’s when it struck me – If I had been a boy, I would have happily roamed outside all night too!”Hope this article helped you understand the difference between if I was and if I were clearly. Try these exercises to figure it out –Good that she left the party, if she ____ not well.If I ___ late, I am sorry.