If-I-Was-If-I-Were | Commonly Confused Words

If I was

/ɪf aɪ wəz/

A hypothetical phrase used to talk about something that is not real but imagined or possible.

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?

This word has no antonyms

/ɪf aɪ wɜr/

A phrase used to introduce hypothetical situations or express wishes contrary to reality.

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

This word has no antonyms

Remember If I were for hypothetical situations; it suggests something unlikely or contrary to fact.
Use If I was for situations that might have happened in the past.
If I were is often followed by a clause that describes an unreal situation.
Think of If I was in terms of a factual basis, something that could have actually occurred.
If I were frequently pairs with would to suggest a speculative scenario.