"If he was" vs "If he were"

Question

"If he was" vs "If he were"

The phrases 'if he was' and 'if he were' are both correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'If he was' is used in informal situations, while 'if he were' is used in formal or hypothetical situations. The choice between them depends on the level of formality you want to convey.

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

Use 'if he was' in informal situations when talking about past events or conditions.

Examples:

If he was late, we missed the bus.
I don't know if he was at the party last night.

Alternatives:

if he were
if he had been
if he had been
if he had been
if he had been

Use 'if he were' in formal contexts or when talking about hypothetical situations or conditions.

Examples:

If he were the president, he would make changes.
If he were here, he would help us.

Alternatives:

if he was
if he had been
if he had been
if he had been
if he had been

Answer 1

If he was

This phrase is correct in informal contexts.

Answer 2

If he were

This phrase is correct in formal or hypothetical situations.

"If he was" vs "If he were"

If he was

If he were

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