Choosing between was and were in “Was” vs. “Were” depends on the if clause, context, and conditional sentence, shaping clarity, accuracy, and correct English usage.
Many learners find this part of English grammar confusing because the correct choice changes with meaning. In a real situation, writers follow the simple past tense and use was with I, he, or third person subjects. When an unreal conditional, hypothetical idea, or imaginary scenario appears, the rule shifts. The subjunctive mood then requires were, even with a singular subject, and this distinction supports natural usage, correctness, and clarity.
From a practical editing view, the key is understanding what the sentence refers to. If a condition actually happened, was fits the structure. If the sentence signals a wish, assumption, or unreal idea, were becomes the correct verb form. Expressions like as though often trigger this pattern. Though the difference seems subtle, it affects meaning, interpretation, and reader understanding. Strong control of agreement, number, and tense choice improves communication and prevents grammar errors.
Was vs. Were: Understanding the Difference
At first glance, was and were appear simple—they are both past tense forms of “to be.” Yet, their usage depends on subject type, mood, and context. Getting this right helps your sentences sound natural, professional, and grammatically correct.
Quick Comparison Table:
| Word | Subject Type | Mood | Example |
| Was | Singular (I, he, she, it) | Indicative (fact) | “I was tired after work.” |
| Were | Plural (we, you, they) | Indicative | “They were excited about the trip.” |
| Were | Singular or plural | Subjunctive (wish/hypothetical) | “If I were taller, I would play basketball.” |
Notice the subjunctive use of were? Even singular subjects like “I” or “she” require were when expressing a hypothetical or wishful thought.
When to Use “Was”
Was is used for singular subjects in past factual situations. Think “I, he, she, it was”. Here are some key examples:
- “I was surprised by the news.”
- “She was the first to arrive at the meeting.”
- “It was raining all day yesterday.”
Common Mistakes:
- Using “was” with plural subjects:
- ❌ “They was late.”
- ✅ “They were late.”
Memory Tip: If the subject is singular and the sentence states a fact, choose was.
When to Use “Were”
Were serves two main purposes:
- Plural past indicative: For plural subjects in past facts.
- “We were thrilled about the concert.”
- “You were amazing in the presentation.”
- Subjunctive mood (wish/hypothetical situations): Even for singular subjects.
- “If I were president, I would implement better policies.”
- “She acts as if she were in charge.”
Quick Tip: Think of were as the word for plural facts or wishful thinking.
Past Indicative vs. Past Subjunctive Forms
Understanding mood is key to choosing the right word.
Indicative mood: Used for statements of fact.
- “I was at the library yesterday.”
- “They were happy about the results.”
Subjunctive mood: Used for wishes, hypotheticals, or situations contrary to fact.
- “If I were you, I would study more.”
- “I wish it were summer already.”
Comparison Table:
| Mood | Singular | Plural | Example |
| Indicative | I was | We were | “I was busy, and we were late.” |
| Subjunctive | I were | We were | “If I were taller, I could play basketball.” |
Notice how the subjunctive doesn’t care about singular or plural; it’s about imagination or hypotheticals.
Is It “If I Were” or “If I Was”?
Many native speakers casually say “If I was”, but in formal English, the subjunctive “If I were” is correct for hypothetical situations.
Correct Subjunctive Usage:
- “If I were a bird, I would fly across the world.”
- “If she were more confident, she would speak up in meetings.”
Limited “If I was” Usage: Only in past factual conditions, e.g.,
- “If I was rude yesterday, I apologize.”
Pro Tip: When expressing a wish, hypothetical, or imaginary scenario, always use were.
Using “Were,” Not “Was,” for Wishful Thinking
The subjunctive mood often confuses learners, but here’s the rule: wishful thinking = were.
Examples:
- “I wish it were warmer outside.”
- “He wishes he were more patient.”
- “If I were in charge, I would change the rules.”
Common Mistakes Table:
| Incorrect | Correct |
| “I wish I was taller.” | “I wish I were taller.” |
| “If he was smarter…” | “If he were smarter…” |
Memory Tip: Think: “Were = wishful thinking, Was = past fact.”
Additional Tips and Tricks
To master was vs. were, follow these practical tips:
- Check the subject first: Singular = was, plural = were (for facts).
- Identify mood: Indicative = fact, Subjunctive = wish/hypothetical.
- Read aloud: Sentences should sound natural—does it describe a real event or a hypothetical?
- Practice with examples: The more you see correct usage, the more natural it becomes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using was with plural subjects: “They was late” ❌
- Using was in hypothetical situations: “If I was rich” ❌
- Overcorrecting were in past facts: “I were tired yesterday” ❌
- Mixing tenses in one sentence: “She was happy and they was surprised” ❌
Practice Examples with Answers
Try filling in the blanks with was or were:
- If I ___ a millionaire, I would donate to charity. ✅ (Answer: were)
- Yesterday, they were ___ very tired after the hike. ✅ (Answer: were)
- I hope it ___ sunny today. ✅ (Answer: were)
- He ___ the first to arrive at the office. ✅ (Answer: was)
- We ___ excited for the concert last night. ✅ (Answer: were)
Answer Key: Use subjunctive were for hypotheticals/wishes, was and were for factual past events based on subject number.
Real-World Case Study: Literature
In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, characters often use “were” to indicate hypothetical or imagined scenarios:
- “If I were as clever as you, I would never make such mistakes.”
- “She wished it were possible to see him again.”
Notice how subjunctive adds nuance and imagination to dialogue. Using was here would change the meaning and sound ungrammatical.
FAQs
Q1. What is the basic difference between was and were?
Was and were are past tense forms of the verb to be. Was is typically used with singular subjects (I, he, she, it), while were is used with plural subjects (we, they) and with you.
Q2. Why do we say “If I were” instead of “If I was”?
In unreal or hypothetical situations, English uses the subjunctive mood. In this structure, were is used even with singular subjects. Example: If I were taller, I would play basketball.
Q3. When is “If I was” correct?
“If I was” is correct when referring to something that may have actually happened. Example: If I was rude yesterday, I apologize.
Q4. How can I quickly decide which one to use?
Ask whether the situation is real or unreal. Real possibility → was. Imaginary or contrary-to-fact → were.
Q5. Do native speakers always follow this rule?
In casual conversation, people sometimes use was instead of were, but formal writing and standard grammar prefer were for unreal conditions.
Q6. Does this rule apply only to “if” sentences?
No. The subjunctive were also appears in expressions like I wish, as though, and as if. Example: She talks as if she were the manager.
Q7. Why does this distinction matter?
Correct usage improves clarity, accuracy, and the overall professionalism of your writing and communication.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between was and were is less about memorizing rules and more about recognizing meaning and context. When you identify whether a sentence describes a real event or an unreal, hypothetical situation, the correct choice becomes much easier. Consistent attention to tense, agreement, and sentence structure strengthens both writing and speaking skills. Over time, this small but important grammar distinction becomes natural, leading to clearer expression, greater accuracy, and more confident communication in English.
