Search from various Tiếng Anh teachers...
Nelly
I’ve noticed that some people use ‘was’ instead of ‘were’ in unreal conditionals. Is that acceptable in modern usage, or always incorrect?
4 Thg 06 2025 15:25
Câu trả lời · 6
4
It is perfectly correct and acceptable to say 'was' rather than 'were' in unreal present/future conditionals. The vast majority of people in the UK would say was, and I assume it is similar in other English speaking countries.
All modern grammar books state this, and the trend is to teach was as the first alternative.
There are even types of conditional, such as the past habitual, where 'was' would be correct and 'were' would be wrong.
5 tháng 6 năm 2025
2
Hi,
Using “was” instead of “were” in unreal conditionals (the subjunctive) is common in informal speech and writing, especially with I, he, she, it.
For example:
• If I was you, I’d study more. (informal)
• If I were you, I’d study more. (formal, traditional)
In formal writing, “were” is preferred and considered correct. In casual conversation, “was” is widely accepted.
6 tháng 6 năm 2025
2
Tim gave an excellent answer. Grammar books such as English Grammar in Use by Murphy and Practical English Usage by Swan give “was” as the primary usage.
6 tháng 6 năm 2025
2
very common for non-native speakers
of course, it's a mistake
5 tháng 6 năm 2025
2
Great question! In unreal conditionals (when imagining something contrary to fact), the traditional rule is to use “were” with all subjects — even “I,” “he,” “she,” and “it.” This is called the subjunctive mood.
Examples (traditional grammar):
If I were rich, I’d travel the world.
If she were taller, she could reach the top shelf.
So, is “was” incorrect?
Not exactly. While “were” is still considered more formal and grammatically standard, especially in writing, “was” is commonly used in informal speech — particularly with “if I was”.
Examples (informal usage):
If I was rich, I’d travel the world.
If he was in your position, he’d do the same.
4 tháng 6 năm 2025
Hiển thị thêm
Bạn vẫn không tìm thấy được các câu trả lời cho mình?
Hãy viết xuống các câu hỏi của bạn và để cho người bản xứ giúp bạn!
Nelly
Kỹ năng ngôn ngữ
Tiếng Séc, Tiếng Anh, Tiếng Pháp, Tiếng Đức, Tiếng Slovak, Tiếng Tây Ban Nha
Ngôn ngữ đang học
Tiếng Anh, Tiếng Pháp, Tiếng Tây Ban Nha
Bài viết Bạn Có lẽ Cũng Thích

Why "General English" is Failing Your Career (An Engineer’s Perspective)
10 lượt thích · 7 Bình luận

Why Many Kids Struggle With English - and How the Right Tutor Makes a Difference
2 lượt thích · 2 Bình luận

Why “Just Around the Corner” Is (Usually) a Lie
8 lượt thích · 4 Bình luận
Thêm bài viết
