"I was." vs "I were."

Question

"I was." vs "I were."

Both "I were" and "I was" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "I was" is the correct form for the first person singular past tense of the verb "to be." On the other hand, "I were" is used in subjunctive mood or conditional sentences to express a hypothetical situation or a wish.

Last Updated: March 30, 2024

Use "I was" when referring to actions or states that occurred in the past. It is the standard past tense form of the verb "to be."

Examples:

Yesterday, I was at the park.
When I was young, I used to play soccer.
I was happy to see you.
She said she was tired.
I was in a hurry, so I left early.

Alternatives:

Yesterday, I were at the park.
When I were young, I used to play soccer.
I were happy to see you.
She said she were tired.
I were in a hurry, so I left early.

Use "I were" in sentences that express a hypothetical situation, a wish, or in conditional sentences. It is not used in standard past tense statements.

Examples:

If I were a bird, I would fly everywhere.
I wish I were taller.
If he were here, he would help us.
I would be happier if I were on vacation.
I wish I were able to speak French.

Alternatives:

If I was a bird, I would fly everywhere.
I wish I was taller.
If he was here, he would help us.
I would be happier if I was on vacation.
I wish I was able to speak French.

Answer 1

I was.

This phrase is the correct form for the first person singular past tense of the verb "to be." It is used in standard past tense statements.

Answer 2

I were.

This phrase is correct when used in the subjunctive mood or conditional sentences to express a hypothetical situation or a wish.

"I was." vs "I were."

I was.

I were.

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