if that were the case vs If that was the case

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'If that were the case' is used in hypothetical situations or to express a contrary-to-fact condition. 'If that was the case' is used in more informal situations or when talking about something that actually happened in the past.

Last updated: April 12, 2024 • 709 views

if that were the case

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in hypothetical situations or to express a contrary-to-fact condition.

This phrase is used to talk about a situation that is not true or real, often in hypothetical scenarios. It is the subjunctive mood of the verb 'to be.'

Examples:

If that were the case, I would have acted differently.
If I were you, I would reconsider my decision.

Show examples from the web [+]

The correct answer is if that were the case: were here is the past subjunctive of the verb to be (if we were to use the present subjunctive it would be if ...
Absolutely not! For if that were the case, how could God be the righteous judge of all the earth? TPT: The Passion Translation. Version.
cham Can we replace "if that were the case" with "if that was the case"? Why? I am not sure if past subjunctive and past are both valid in ...
Many translated example sentences containing "if that were the case" – Spanish-English dictionary and search engine for Spanish translations.

Alternatives:

if that had been the case
if that were true
if that were so
if that were indeed the case
if that were actually the case

If that was the case

This phrase is also correct, but it is more commonly used in informal situations or when referring to something that actually happened in the past.

This phrase is used to refer to a situation that was true or real in the past. It is the past simple tense of the verb 'to be.'

Examples:

If that was the case, then we need to take action now.
If he said that was the case, then it must be true.

Show examples from the web [+]

“If that was the case” is correct when it refers to something that actually is the case or might be the case; “if that were the case” is subjunctive, referring ...
Aug 12, 2016 ... However, note that "If that was the case" can also refer to something that did happen in the past. "Was" is then past tense, and is indicative, ...

Alternatives:

if that were the case
if that had been the case
if that was true
if that was so
if that was indeed the case

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