"If I were a bird" vs "If I was a bird"

Question

"If I were a bird" vs "If I was a bird"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'If I was a bird' is used in informal situations, while 'If I were a bird' is used in formal or hypothetical situations. The use of 'were' instead of 'was' in the second phrase follows the subjunctive mood.

Last Updated: March 08, 2024

This phrase is used in formal or hypothetical situations to express a hypothetical or unreal condition. It follows the subjunctive mood.

Examples:

If I were a bird, I would soar through the sky.
If I were a bird, I could travel to faraway lands.

Alternatives:

If I was a bird (informal)

This phrase is used in informal situations to express a hypothetical or unreal condition.

Examples:

If I was a bird, I would fly everywhere.
If I was a bird, I could see the world from above.

Alternatives:

If I were a bird (more formal or hypothetical)

Answer 1

If I were a bird

This phrase is correct in formal or hypothetical contexts.

Answer 2

If I was a bird

This phrase is correct in informal contexts.

"If I were a bird" vs "If I was a bird"

If I were a bird

If I was a bird

Related Comparisons