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If it was vs If it were

Both 'if it was' and 'if it were' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'If it was' is used in informal situations or when talking about something that is likely to happen. 'If it were' is used in formal situations, hypothetical scenarios, or to express a wish or condition that is unlikely or contrary to fact.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1574 views

If it was

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal situations or when talking about likely events.

This phrase is used in informal contexts or when discussing events that are likely to happen. It is less formal than 'if it were.'

Examples:

If it was sunny tomorrow, we could go to the beach.
I would buy that car if it was a bit cheaper.

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If it was midnight, that would go down an absolute storm.
If it was a bomb, it would tick.
If it was my pickup, someone else was driving.
If it was bad enough that you had to quit the team...
If it was an accident, just tell me.
If it was a mistake, fine.
If it was easy, everybody'd be good.
If it was white, the fire wouldn't be burning anymore.
If it was up to me, sunshine...
If it was her head, that would be easy.
If it was really a victory, they'd be singing a different tune.
If it was meningitis, we'd all be sick.
If it was tomorrow you would be sitting over there.
If it was empty, a mouse would cry.
If it was a crank, it could sway the jury unfairly.
If it was about a journal, you might be.
If it was a hangover, I'd be very upset.
If it was immediate family, I'd definitely go.
If it was literal, I share your aversion to soiled hosiery.
If it was day or night.

Alternatives:

if it is
if it happens to be
if it turns out to be

If it were

This phrase is correct and commonly used in formal situations, hypothetical scenarios, or to express unlikely conditions or wishes.

This phrase is used in formal contexts, hypothetical scenarios, or to express conditions that are contrary to fact. It is more formal than 'if it was.'

Examples:

If it were up to me, I would choose a different approach.
If it were not for your help, I would have failed.

Show examples from the web [+]

If it were that easy, I wouldn't be so terrified.
If it were a problem, I'd stop.
If it were, it would be science.
If it were, my servants would fight my arrest.
If it were a obligatory step it might in some circumstances result in unnecessary and harmful delays.
If it were tiny, we wouldn't be having this lovely conversation.
If it were me, I'd fight.
If it were eliminated, who knows how far that vacuum could go.
If it were, you could call me Ernest Hemingway.
If it were that simple, I'd be there already.
If it were a competition, I'd crush you.
If it were leather, it would have burst apart.
If it were true it would be confirmation of the existence of extraterrestrial life.
If it were an investigation, I'd want your lawyer present.
If it were just a movie, it would all be rather pointless.
If it were real, it'd be pretty disgusting.
If it were stronger, too much heat.
If it were a town, it would be Leonardville.
If it were an Islamic nation, Leonardstan.
If it were infected, then we could talk.

Alternatives:

if it had been
if it had not been
if it had not been for

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