If I were to guess vs If I had to guess

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They are interchangeable and convey a similar meaning of making an educated guess or estimation. The choice between 'if I were to guess' and 'if I had to guess' depends on personal preference or style, as both are grammatically correct and convey the same idea.

Last updated: April 05, 2024 • 951 views

If I were to guess

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate making an educated guess or estimation.

This phrase is used to introduce a statement or opinion that is based on speculation or estimation. It is often used to express uncertainty or to make a hypothetical guess.

Examples:

If I were to guess, I'd say the meeting will start at 3 p.m.
If I were to guess, I'd say she's around 30 years old.
If I were to guess, I'd say it's going to rain later.
If I were to guess, I'd say the movie will be a hit.
If I were to guess, I'd say he's probably at home.

Show examples from the web [+]

Something to do with rats, if I were to guess from these empty cages.
Looks to not be getting enough water if I were to guess, but gets watered every morning pretty well.
If I were to guess, he probably did some work for him at some point.
If I were to guess, I'd say lately it's coming from Andy Hart.
If I were to guess, halfway to the Costa Rican border, the embassy.
If I were to guess, the thieves just paid him $2,000 to walk away.
If I were to guess, maybe a new kind of motor for a horseless carriage.

Alternatives:

if I had to guess
if I had to make a guess
if I had to hazard a guess
if I had to venture a guess
if I had to take a guess

If I had to guess

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate making an educated guess or estimation.

This phrase is used to introduce a statement or opinion that is based on speculation or estimation. It is often used to express uncertainty or to make a hypothetical guess.

Examples:

If I had to guess, I'd say the train will arrive in 10 minutes.
If I had to guess, I'd say she's probably at work.
If I had to guess, I'd say it's a new restaurant.
If I had to guess, I'd say he's not coming today.
If I had to guess, I'd say it's going to be a close game.

Show examples from the web [+]

If I had to guess, it's to store something highly sensitive or dangerous.
If I had to guess, fifty... Sixty thousand at the most.
If I had to guess, Yakuza.
If I had to guess, I'd say she probably...
If I had to guess based on his inflection, it's an Indonesian dialect.
If I had to guess, he's with Villa.
If I had to guess, something big and green.
If I had to guess, I'd say he was the subject of some kind of federal investigation.
If I had to guess, I'd say you're a program from the machine world.
If I had to guess, this guy I was prosecuting, silvan Luka.
If I had to guess, it was probably "Dollar" Bill.
If I had to guess, he's out looking for Wyatt, trying to be the hero.
If I had to guess, I'd say she's having a nice time in Kansas.
If I had to guess, all the trouble Cohaagen's taken to hide you from the Resistance, you must be fairly important.
If I had to guess, this guy works for the buyer.
If I had to guess, she's an ex-girlfriend he didn't feel like talking to, but the timing is weird.
If I had to guess, I'd say you represent doubt and disbelief.
If I had to guess, I would say that you are dreaming about what Marie is seeing in her imagination.
If I had to guess, I'd say it was a wrong plate or something.
If I had to guess, Google made the change to prevent that users clear data that they need accidentally.

Alternatives:

if I were to guess
if I were to make a guess
if I were to hazard a guess
if I were to venture a guess
if I were to take a guess

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