One of the most common mistakes in English is the incorrect usage of the phrase 'If I was' . In fact, you will hear native speakers commonly make this mistake. Here are a few examples of this mistake:
1. If I was you, I would try to find a new job.
2. If she was here, she would explain the situation.
In both sentences, 'was' is used instead of the correct form 'were'. However, sometimes If I was or If she was is correct!
Here are two examples:
1. If I was late for class, the teacher gave me extra homework.
2. If he was asked a question, he replied quickly and honestly.
What's the difference between these two types of sentences? Why is one correct and the other not? The answer is that the first two sentences are used to express imaginary situations. These sentences require the subjective form 'were' for all subjects
1. If I were you, I would try to find a new job.
2. If she were here, she would explain the situation.
The second group of sentences refers to a situation that was always true in the past. In this case, the past simple is used.
If I were is used to express an imaginary situation in the present.
1. If I were you, I would take a vacation.
2. I would give the test again if I were the teacher.
If I was is used to express something that was true when or if something else happened:
1. If I was late for class, I got into trouble.
2. I had to do extra homework, If I was absent.
Imaginary, Unreal, or Second Conditional
The second conditional is also known as the imaginary or unreal conditional. Use the imaginary conditional to speak about situations which are contrary to fact. Use the following structures:
If + Subject + Simple Past (Subjunctive) + Objects, Subject + Would + Verb + Objects
1. If I had more time, I would take up a new hobby.
2. If Ruth moved to Lagos, she would get an apartment in Victoria Island.
The simple past in the imaginary conditional is actually the subjunctive voice. The only grammatical difference between the two is in the use of the verb 'be'. In this case, all subjects take were:
1. If she were more honest, she would admit fault.
2. If they were in town, we would go out for dinner.
Remember that it is also possible to end the sentence with an 'if' clause. In this case, do not use a comma to separate the two clauses:
Subject + Would + Verb + Objects If + Subject + Simple Past + Objects
1. The school would hire more teachers if the district voted for a tax increase.
2. The economy would improve if the people paid less for.
We hope you will find this post useful.
We welcome your comments, observations and suggestions.
Best regards!
From the Grammarstar team.
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