If I was-If I were | Commonly Confused Words

If I was

/ɪf aɪ wəz/

A phrase used to express a hypothetical situation or condition that contrasts with reality.

If I was traveling, I'd choose the scenic route.If I was younger, I'd try learning a new language.If I was listening, what would I have heard?

/ɪf aɪ wɜr/

A phrase used to express a hypothetical or conditional situation, often followed by advice or a statement of what could happen.

If I were a bird, I'd fly to exotic lands.If I were in your shoes, I'd reconsider the offer.If I were fluent in French, I'd move to Paris.

This word has no synonyms

If I was and if I were both express conditionality, but they are used in different contexts.
If I was deals with situations that might have actually occurred in the past.
If I were refers to hypothetical or contrary-to-fact situations, often in the present.
Use was with real, possible situations and were with hypothetical, unlikely conditions.
Remember: In conditional sentences, the word were often signifies an imaginary or wishful situation.