"if i was not working" vs "if i were not working"

Question

"if i was not working" vs "if i were not working"

Both "if I was not working" and "if I were not working" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "If I was not working" is used in informal situations, while "if I were not working" is used in formal or hypothetical situations.

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

This phrase is commonly used in informal speech or writing to express a condition or situation in the past that may or may not be true.

Examples:

If I was not working yesterday, I must have been sick.
I would have gone to the party if I was not working late.
If I was not working on this project, I would have joined you for the movie.
I wonder what I would be doing now if I was not working here.
If I was not working so hard, I would have more time for myself.

Alternatives:

if I were not working
if I hadn't been working
if I didn't work
if I hadn't worked
if I weren't working

This phrase is used in formal writing or in hypothetical situations to express a condition or situation that is contrary to fact or unlikely to happen.

Examples:

If I were not working on this project, I would be traveling around the world.
I would go to the concert if I were not working that night.
If I were not working so hard, I could spend more time with my family.
If I were not working for this company, I would start my own business.
I wish I were not working on weekends.

Alternatives:

if I was not working
if I hadn't been working
if I didn't work
if I hadn't worked
if I weren't working

Answer 1

if i was not working

This phrase is correct in informal contexts.

Answer 2

if i were not working

This phrase is correct in formal or hypothetical contexts.

"if i was not working" vs "if i were not working"

if i was not working

if i were not working

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