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

If I was is often used in casual conversation but may not always be grammatically correct.
If I were is traditionally used in English to speak about situations that are hypothetical or contrary to fact.
Remember that were is usually used with I in the subjunctive mood.
Was harks back to situations that might be possible or excuse the reality of the condition.
In conditional sentences if I were is more formal and appropriate for non-real situations.