if i were born vs if i were to be born

Both "if I were born" and "if I were to be born" are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "If I were born" is used to talk about a hypothetical situation in the past, while "if I were to be born" is used to talk about a hypothetical situation in the future.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 910 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to talk about hypothetical situations in the past.

"if i were born"

This phrase is used to discuss hypothetical situations in the past. It is often used in conditional sentences to express unreal or unlikely situations.

Examples:

If I were born in a different country, my life would be very different.
If I were born a century ago, I would have experienced a very different world.

Show examples from the web [+]

Only if I were born in the States where money's everywhere...
And if I were born again, I would do exactly what I did.
If I were born in Japan, I could watch football?
She says if I weren't born, she'd be better off.
We could have had it all, you and I if we were born on the same side of the track
You know, Aaron, if you and I weren't born on this ship, we could've accomplished great things.
As if you were born in the darkness of this place.
Or how it would affect things if children were born here.
It's as if you were born to wear it.
If she were born anywhere else but Tanzania, I'm telling you, she could run Wall Street.
Also, even if we were born with certain ignoble motives, they don't automatically lead to ignoble behavior.
Even if you were born with a name at all, you can't be sure it's Esther Price.
It represents peace and quiet, silence and tranquillity for stressed-out urban men and women, especially if they were born in the northern dimension.
Now we all love to trot out these three mystic warriors as if they were born with the saint gene.
It's not as if she were born with two heads.
If you were born in 1900, that would still add up to... ten.
If you were born and grew up in Goryeo, it seems like that's the only way.
As if they were born with the mark.
If my kids were born with an expiration date,
If you were born in wedlock, which I doubt.

Alternatives:

if I had been born
if I had been brought into this world

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to talk about hypothetical situations in the future.

"if i were to be born"

This phrase is used to discuss hypothetical situations in the future. It is often used in conditional sentences to express unreal or unlikely future scenarios.

Examples:

If I were to be born in the future, I hope the world will be a better place.
If I were to be born into a wealthy family, my life would be very different.

Show examples from the web [+]

Only if I were born in the States where money's everywhere...
If I was born in Monterey, probably would be in Brazil.
I would if I was born with the fat gene.
He shall know your ways as if born to them.
If I'm not born now...
And if I'm not born with it, there has to be another way.
You worthless... you would have never been born if I hadn't married your parents.
Sometimes I wonder if I was born under a bad sign.
And if I were born again, I would do exactly what I did.
I mean, if I was born like this, no one would have a problem with it.
If born in France, this young person benefits from the nationality code and may be protected by the law if refused access to a job due to discrimination.
I mean, that's the plan. I just... I don't know if I've chosen this or if I was born into it.
If I'd been born beautiful, I'd try out now.
If I was not born yet, maybe I have the same father as Yumiko.
She says if I weren't born, she'd be better off.
If I had been born six days later, I would've been named Heliodore.
If I'm not born as a genius in math, I'd better study something else.
Even if I'd been born somewhere else and had never met you or Shino, I would still be the same man.
I didn't want to think about how I'd feel once the baby was born or if I'd regret it in a few years.
If I wasn't born, mom wouldn't be dead.

Alternatives:

if I were to come into existence
if I were to be brought into this world

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

if i were born vs if i were to be born

"if i were born"

"if i were to be born"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text