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Sedna Horn
If I were you vs If I was you
I’m curious about this thing. If I wanna say something just hypothetically as I get it I should use “If I were”. But I got confused by some things.
1) “If I were to win the lottery, I’d never tell my family or friends”. Why here is ”If I were”? I would say just
”If I would”. Can I say “If I would win the lottery I’d never tell my family or friends”? And will it has the same meaning?
2) In the song “Me too” by Meghan Trainor in the lyrics she sings “If I was you” but why if it’s not correct?
Sep 4, 2022 5:17 AM
Answers · 5
3
If I were = correct
If I was = incorrect, but commonly used, especially colloquially
If I would win = I think this is incorrect, sounds wrong to me
If I won = correct
September 4, 2022
1
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September 5, 2022
1
Both are commonly used. Both sound normal to 99% of native English speakers. Technically, “If I were you” is better
September 5, 2022
1
We use both phrases, even though the grammar is not correct. It is common to hear this said in both ways.
Good luck!
September 5, 2022
Invitee
1
Hi Sedna
The second conditional, used when speaking hypothetically, is structured as follows: if + past simple >> + would + infinitive. For example: If I had enough money, I would buy a house. If I met Keith Richards, I would ask for his autograph.
When the verb in the if clause is 'be', it becomes 'were'. This is a peculiarity of the subjunctive mood, and is also used when we express wishes. Example: I wish I were a dog. If I were a dog, I would sleep all day. However, because people are used to saying "If I was" in the past tense, they often get this wrong. It is a very common mistake - so common that Meghan Trainor probably doesn't even realise that it's wrong!
It is a similar situation with "If I would win the lottery". This structure is incorrect. The correct way to say it is "If I won the lottery", or "If I were to win the lottery". However, in many regions of the US they make the mistake of doubling conditionals, e.g. "I wish I would have been there," instead of "I wish I had been there".
Just because a lot of people do it, doesn't mean it's right! I hope this helps.
September 4, 2022
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Sedna Horn
Language Skills
English, Russian
Learning Language
English
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