if one were to read vs if one was to read

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'If one were to read' is the more formal and grammatically correct option, often used in formal writing or speech. 'If one was to read' is less formal and more commonly used in everyday conversation.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 2798 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in formal writing or speech.

"if one were to read"

This phrase is used to talk about a hypothetical situation or condition. It is the past subjunctive form of 'to be' and is considered more formal.

Examples:

If one were to read between the lines, the true meaning becomes clear.
If one were to read more books, one's knowledge would increase.
If one were to read the instructions carefully, mistakes could be avoided.

Show examples from the web [+]

No, but if one were to read the history closely, one would notice that she had six cases of strep.
Mr President, if one reads the Commission's programme of legislation carefully, one suddenly happens upon a European army: the Rapid Reaction Force.
However, we do perhaps regret the lack of integration with other initiatives that she is pursuing, which is apparent if one reads her communication.
If one reads Mr Decourrière's report it becomes clear that the use of the resources at the moment is relatively slight.
This is an unenviable task, particularly if one reads the recent annual report for 1997 on the fight against fraud in the European Union.
If one reads this report, however, one sees that this will at least not be the case if the European Parliament gets its way.
If one reads the justification for your amendment, one can only be dismayed by its weakness: refusing to combat discrimination because of fear of excessive bureaucracy.
If one reads the correspondence as it has been published in some of the newspapers today, we are heading for something really quite serious.
This becomes more clear if one reads the Explanatory Statement to the Original Proposal (COM (1998) 449, Section 3.3. page 6):
At first glance, the offers tabled by the EU regarding agricultural policy seem fairly constructive but, if one reads the small print, it becomes clear that the EU's offer contains a good deal of hot air.
If I read one more article saying that Jonah brought it on himself...
If one of your witnesses is unavailable you will have to make a hearsay application to READ his evidence instead.
Very useful if one were travelling.
If one were to fall, they would just lose each other.
If one were to do this, that's what one would change.
If one were to target the Earth, life as we know it could cease to exist.
If one were to count, I have not even been acquainted with Miss Beresford on 3 occasions.
And if one were to eclipse the Milky Way, this is what it would look like.
If one were to prolong the kiss, then it might be worth it.
I would if one were known to exist.

Alternatives:

if someone were to read
if a person were to read
if one were to study
if one were to learn
if one were to explore

This phrase is correct and commonly used in everyday conversation.

"if one was to read"

This phrase is used to talk about a hypothetical situation or condition in a less formal context. It is the past simple form of 'to be' and is considered more informal.

Examples:

If one was to read more, one would learn a lot.
If one was to read all the books, one would become an expert.
If one was to read the manual, one could fix the problem.

Show examples from the web [+]

No, but if one were to read the history closely, one would notice that she had six cases of strep.
Mr President, if one reads the Commission's programme of legislation carefully, one suddenly happens upon a European army: the Rapid Reaction Force.
However, we do perhaps regret the lack of integration with other initiatives that she is pursuing, which is apparent if one reads her communication.
If one reads Mr Decourrière's report it becomes clear that the use of the resources at the moment is relatively slight.
This is an unenviable task, particularly if one reads the recent annual report for 1997 on the fight against fraud in the European Union.
If one reads this report, however, one sees that this will at least not be the case if the European Parliament gets its way.
If one reads the justification for your amendment, one can only be dismayed by its weakness: refusing to combat discrimination because of fear of excessive bureaucracy.
If one reads the correspondence as it has been published in some of the newspapers today, we are heading for something really quite serious.
This becomes more clear if one reads the Explanatory Statement to the Original Proposal (COM (1998) 449, Section 3.3. page 6):
At first glance, the offers tabled by the EU regarding agricultural policy seem fairly constructive but, if one reads the small print, it becomes clear that the EU's offer contains a good deal of hot air.
If I read one more article saying that Jonah brought it on himself...
If one of your witnesses is unavailable you will have to make a hearsay application to READ his evidence instead.
If one was unable to gratify oneself, that would be a disorder.
If one was missing, it would look suspicious.
If one was to drink directly from it, its power could cure any ill.
But, I mean, you know, fascinating if one was curious about human nature as I was.
Well, if one wasn't enough... a new Hulk has arrived.
You know, if one was being strictly accurate, you did rent it, Bax.
And what if one was open?
If one of us got up, the other one was pancaked into the wall.

Alternatives:

if someone was to read
if a person was to read
if one were to read
if one were to study
if one were to learn

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if one were to read vs if one was to read