Were vs Was in Second Conditional
In second conditional sentences, we use the past tense to talk about unreal or imaginary situations in the present. However, there is an important grammar rule: in formal English, we use 'were' with all subjects, even 'I', 'he', 'she', and 'it'. The form 'was' is grammatically incorrect in second conditional, although many native speakers use it in casual speech. For B1 learners, you should always use 'were' in written English and formal situations.
The Key Difference
Second conditional uses 'were' (not 'was') to create distance from reality. This is called the subjunctive form. It shows that the situation is hypothetical or impossible. Using 'was' is considered informal or incorrect, especially in writing. Remember: If I were... (correct) vs If I was... (informal/incorrect).
Structure: If + Were (All Subjects)
The pattern is always: If + subject + were (+ not) + adjective/noun, subject + would + verb.
Were vs Was: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Were (Subjunctive) | Was (Indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Subjunctive mood form of "to be"; used with all subjects (I, he, she, it, we, you, they) | Simple past indicative form of "to be"; typically used with singular subjects (I, he, she, it) |
| Formality Level | Formal and grammatically traditional; preferred in academic, professional, and written English | Informal and colloquial; common in everyday spoken English and casual writing |
| Grammatical Correctness | Universally accepted as correct by all grammar authorities; considered the standard form in the second conditional | Widely accepted in informal contexts but traditionally considered grammatically incorrect in strict prescriptive grammar |
| Usage Context | Essays, reports, formal letters, literature, exams, and any situation requiring correct grammar | Casual conversation, text messages, informal emails, and everyday speech with friends or family |
| Subject Agreement | Used uniformly with ALL subjects: I were, he were, she were, it were, we were, you were, they were | Follows standard past tense agreement: I was, he was, she was, it was (singular); were retained for we, you, they |
| Positive Example | "If I were a doctor, I would help more people." "If she were taller, she would apply for the role." |
"If I was a doctor, I would help more people." "If she was taller, she would apply for the role." |
| Negative Example | "If he were not so stubborn, things would be easier." | "If he was not so stubborn, things would be easier." |
| Question Example | "What would you do if it were up to you?" | "What would you do if it was up to you?" |
| Key Signal Words / Phrases | "If I were you…", "Were I to…", "As it were", "If only I were…" | "If I was…", "If he/she was…", more natural-sounding casual phrases in everyday speech |
| Key Difference: In second conditional sentences, "were" is the grammatically traditional and formally correct choice for all subjects because it uses the subjunctive mood to express hypothetical or unreal situations. "Was" is widely used in informal, everyday speech with singular subjects (I, he, she, it) and is generally accepted in casual contexts, but may be marked as incorrect in formal writing or examinations. The safest and most universally accepted choice — especially in writing — is always "were". | ||
Formula
✔ Positive
If
+
I/he/she/it
+
were
+
rich,
+
I
+
would travel
+
the world.
If I were rich, I would travel the world.
✖ Negative
If
+
she
+
were not
+
so busy,
+
she
+
would call
+
us.
If she were not so busy, she would call us.
? Question
What
+
would you do
+
if you
+
were
+
the president?
What would you do if you were the president?
Examples
If I were you, I would accept that job offer.
Formal written English · Advice about imaginary situation
If he were taller, he could play basketball professionally.
Hypothetical condition · Third person singular
If we were on the moon, we would weigh less.
Unreal situation · Scientific example
If it were sunny tomorrow, would you go to the beach?
Question form · Uncertain future condition
She would be happier if she were living in the countryside.
Formal speech · Subjunctive mood
If I were not afraid of heights, I would climb that mountain.
Negative condition · Personal limitation
When to use it
Giving Advice
Use second conditional with 'were' when you imagine yourself in someone else's situation and offer suggestions.
"If I were in your position, I would speak to the manager about the problem."
Imaginary Scenarios
Use 'were' to discuss impossible or very unlikely situations that we imagine for discussion or fun.
"If you were an animal, what would you be? If I were an animal, I would be a dolphin."
Hypothetical Consequences
Use second conditional with 'were' to show what would happen if circumstances were different from reality.
"If the weather were better, we would have a picnic in the park."
Signal words
If
would
imagine
suppose
in case
were
otherwise
unless
Common Mistakes
✕
Wrong
If I was rich, I would buy a house.
✓
Correct
If I were rich, I would buy a house.
Second conditional requires 'were' for all subjects, not 'was', even in informal speech when writing formally.
✕
Wrong
If he was the manager, he would change the rules.
✓
Correct
If he were the manager, he would change the rules.
'Was' is incorrect in second conditional. Use 'were' to show the unreal/hypothetical situation.
✕
Wrong
What would you do if you was in my situation?
✓
Correct
What would you do if you were in my situation?
Even in questions, second conditional uses 'were' with all subjects to maintain the subjunctive form.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What to Remember
- Use 'were' with all subjects in second conditional, including I, he, she, and it.
- Second conditional uses past tense to describe unreal or imaginary situations in the present.
- The form 'was' is grammatically incorrect in second conditional, even in casual speech.
- Always use 'were' in written English and formal situations for second conditional sentences.
- Second conditional structure: If + past tense + would + base verb in main clause.