If It Was vs. If It Were

Attribute	If It Was	If It Were
Verb form	Past tense	Subjunctive mood
Usage	Used in conditional sentences for unreal or unlikely situations	Used in hypothetical or contrary-to-fact situations
Correctness	Commonly used in informal speech and writing	Considered more formal and correct in certain contexts

Introduction

When it comes to the English language, there are often subtle differences between words and phrases that can impact the meaning of a sentence. Two such phrases that are commonly confused are "if it was" and "if it were." While they may seem similar, they actually have distinct attributes that can change the tone and implications of a statement. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two phrases and when it is appropriate to use each one.

Usage of "If It Was"

The phrase "if it was" is used in the past tense to express a hypothetical situation or condition. It is often used when discussing something that may have happened in the past but did not actually occur. For example, "If it was sunny yesterday, we would have gone to the beach." In this sentence, the speaker is imagining a scenario where the weather was sunny, but in reality, it was not. "If it was" is also commonly used in casual conversation and everyday speech.

Attributes of "If It Was"

One key attribute of "if it was" is that it is used to talk about situations that are unlikely or impossible in the present. This phrase is often used to speculate about events that could have happened differently in the past. Additionally, "if it was" is used when the speaker is not as concerned with the accuracy of the statement, as it is more about imagining a different outcome. It is a more relaxed and informal way of expressing a hypothetical situation.

Usage of "If It Were"

In contrast, the phrase "if it were" is used in the subjunctive mood to express a hypothetical situation that is contrary to fact. It is often used when discussing something that is not true or possible in the present. For example, "If I were a bird, I would fly to the highest mountain." In this sentence, the speaker is imagining a scenario where they are a bird, even though they are not. "If it were" is also commonly used in more formal writing and speech.

Attributes of "If It Were"

One key attribute of "if it were" is that it is used to talk about situations that are contrary to reality. This phrase is often used to express wishes, desires, or hypothetical scenarios that are not true in the present. Additionally, "if it were" is used when the speaker wants to emphasize the improbability or impossibility of the situation being discussed. It is a more formal and precise way of expressing a hypothetical situation.

Comparison of Attributes

While both "if it was" and "if it were" are used to express hypothetical situations, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. "If it was" is used to talk about unlikely or impossible events in the past, while "if it were" is used to talk about contrary-to-fact situations in the present. Additionally, "if it was" is more casual and informal, whereas "if it were" is more formal and precise. Understanding the differences between these two phrases can help you communicate more effectively and accurately in your writing and speech.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the phrases "if it was" and "if it were" may seem similar at first glance, but they have distinct attributes that can impact the meaning of a sentence. "If it was" is used to talk about hypothetical events in the past, while "if it were" is used to talk about contrary-to-fact situations in the present. By understanding when to use each phrase and their respective attributes, you can improve your communication skills and convey your intended meaning more clearly. Next time you are faced with a hypothetical scenario, consider whether "if it was" or "if it were" is the more appropriate choice for your sentence.