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If only he was vs If only he were

Both "if only he was" and "if only he were" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "If only he were" is the more formal and grammatically correct form, using the subjunctive mood. On the other hand, "if only he was" is more commonly used in informal speech and writing.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 1488 views

If only he was

This phrase is commonly used in informal speech and writing.

This phrase is used in informal contexts to express a wish or regret about a past situation.

Examples:

If only he was more understanding.
If only he was here to help us.
If only he was a little more patient.
If only he was able to come to the party.
If only he was still alive.

Show examples from the web [+]

If only he wasn't so different, you know what I mean?
if only he was here again, if only it was nice again, shed some light into my night, then there will only be warmth in my heart.
If only... ...he was a normal person.
If only I knew where he was, I'd go talk to him.
Only if he was a pinball.
Only if he was a cannibal, Jethro.
If only he could know it was me doing it
If I only knew what he was thinking.
Only if he was being blackmailed, which you can't prove.
You know, I've seen Booth do some terrible and... and difficult things, but only if he was compelled by a very good reason.
Only if he knows it wasn't.
Only if he knows it wasn't.
Well, that would be true if he was only lying to me.
Yes, but I would love him if he was only worth 200 million.
If only we had known he was, like, you know, a rapist!
CAN'T BELIEVE THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE HAS RETURNED IF ONLY SHE KNEW WHO HE WAS.
Only if he was somehow able to desperately scratch at his throat for air, severely bruise his knee, and, finally, sprain his ankle in the process.
and difficult things, but only if he was compelled by a very good reason.
He can only be prosecuted for purchasing an analogue, but only if he knew it was an analogue, which he didn't.
What if he was only after John because he wants us to think it was John?

Alternatives:

if only he were
if only he had been
if only he could be
if only he would be
if only he were to be

If only he were

This phrase is the more formal and grammatically correct form, using the subjunctive mood.

This phrase is used in formal contexts to express a wish or regret about a present or future situation.

Examples:

If only he were more understanding.
If only he were here to help us.
If only he were a little more patient.
If only he were able to come to the party.
If only he were still alive.

Show examples from the web [+]

If only he were that good at faking it with his wife we wouldn't be losing.
If only he were here and l could speak to him!
If only he were the only teacher Serena had an inappropriate relationship with.
I laughed and said that would be fine... if only he were a girl.
If only he were a vampire, he'd be perfect.
- If only he were a woman.
If only he were not a samurai...
if only he were just a little different.

Alternatives:

if only he was
if only he had been
if only he could be
if only he would be
if only he were to be

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