English can be a tricky language, especially when it comes to grammar rules that sound outdated but still shape how we write and speak today. One of the most common debates is whether to say “If she was” or “If she were.” Both phrases look right, both sound natural in different contexts, but only one fits perfectly depending on the situation.
This guide breaks it down in plain English—no boring grammar jargon without explanation. By the end, you’ll know exactly when to use each one, whether you’re writing a formal essay, chatting with friends, or preparing for an exam.
Understanding the Subjunctive Mood in English
The key to solving this puzzle lies in the subjunctive mood.
- Indicative mood = facts and reality.
- Subjunctive mood = hypothetical, wishes, or situations contrary to reality.
So, when you say “If she were here…” you’re imagining something that’s not true right now.
But if you say “If she was late yesterday…” you’re talking about something that could have been true in the past.
Difference Between “Was” and “Were” in Everyday Grammar
| Form | Usage | Example |
| Was | Past tense, real situation | She was at the park yesterday. |
| Were | Subjunctive mood, unreal or hypothetical | If she were taller, she’d play basketball. |
Think of “was” as dealing with facts, and “were” as dealing with imagination or wishes.
Quick Comparison Table: If She Was vs If She Were
| Phrase | Correct When Used | Example Sentence |
| If she was | Refers to something that might have happened in the past | If she was tired, she didn’t show it. |
| If she were | Imagines a situation that isn’t true | If she were my sister, I’d protect her. |
Real-Life Examples of “If She Was” in Use
- If she was at the meeting, I didn’t notice her.
- If she was offended, she didn’t say anything.
- If she was late, it was because of the traffic.
👉 Notice how all these examples could actually be true.
Real-Life Examples of “If She Were” in Use
- If she were here, we’d have started already.
- If she were my boss, I’d work harder.
- If she were alive today, she’d be proud.
👉 These situations are imaginary or contrary to fact.
Common Situations Where People Get It Wrong
| Wrong Usage | Why It’s Wrong | Correct Form |
| If she was my mom, I’d listen to her. | She isn’t your mom (hypothetical). | If she were my mom… |
| If she were late yesterday, she missed the speech. | “Yesterday” is past fact, not hypothetical. | If she was late yesterday… |
Easy Memory Tricks to Remember the Difference
- If you’re imagining or wishing → use were.
- If you’re guessing about the past → use was.
- Think of “were” as the what-if word.
Idioms and Expressions That Use “Was” or “Were”
| Expression | Typical Form | Example |
| As if she were… | Always “were” | She spoke as if she were the queen. |
| If I were you… | Always “were” | If I were you, I’d take the job. |
| If she was to… | Can use “was” | If she was to leave, it would shock us. |
Synonyms & Alternative Phrases Table
| Instead of “If she was” | Use… | Instead of “If she were” | Use… |
| Suppose she was… | Imagine she was… | Suppose she were… | What if she were… |
| If it happened that she was… | On the chance she was… | If she happened to be… | If only she were… |
Formal Writing vs Casual Speech: Which to Choose?
In casual speech, most people say “if she was” even when grammar purists prefer “if she were.”
- In formal writing (essays, reports, business English), stick with “were” for hypotheticals.
- In conversations, you’ll hear both, but clarity matters more than correctness.
Historical Roots of the Subjunctive in English
Old English and Middle English had more complex verb forms. Over time, most disappeared, but “were” stayed in the language as the subjunctive marker. That’s why we still say “If I were you” even though we’d never say “I were” in normal sentences.
How Native Speakers Actually Use It Today
| Setting | Common Preference | Example |
| Everyday speech | “Was” often replaces “were” | If she was my teacher, I’d like her. |
| Formal speech | “Were” is preferred | If she were my teacher, I’d admire her. |
| Literature | “Were” used more often | If she were in Paris, she’d see the tower. |
Business, Academic, and Professional Usage
- Business English: Use “were” for hypotheticals.
- Academic papers: Always stick to “were” when showing something unreal.
- Emails/Reports: Safe to use “was” for past speculation.
Common Grammar Myths Around “Was” and “Were”
| Myth | Reality |
| “Were is old-fashioned, nobody uses it.” | Wrong—professional writers still use it in formal contexts. |
| “If she was and if she were mean the same thing.” | Wrong—they signal reality vs imagination. |
| “It doesn’t matter which one you use.” | Partially wrong—people may understand, but correctness matters in exams and writing. |
Table of Correct Usage with Example Sentences
| Sentence Type | Correct Form | Example |
| Hypothetical | Were | If she were here, we’d leave early. |
| Past fact guess | Was | If she was late, she missed the bus. |
| Wish | Were | I wish she were at my party. |
| Reported fact | Was | If she was sick, that explains it. |
Quick Quiz: Test Yourself with “Was” or “Were”
| Sentence | Correct Answer |
| If she ___ my boss, I’d resign. | were |
| If she ___ at the concert, I didn’t see her. | was |
| If she ___ taller, she’d be a model. | were |
| If she ___ angry, she hid it well. | was |
Regional and Dialect Differences
- American English: More flexible; people often use “was” in place of “were.”
- British English: Slightly more traditional; “were” is still common in formal speech.
- Informal speech worldwide: “Was” dominates.
Why This Rule Still Matters in 2025 and Beyond
Even though spoken English is more relaxed, exams (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge) and formal writing still expect you to know the difference. Employers, professors, and editors notice when you use the correct form—it shows precision.
Tips for ESL Learners to Master the Rule
- Practice with if-sentences daily.
- Listen to native speakers in movies and notice when they use “was” vs “were.”
- Make your own examples and test them with grammar checkers.
- Remember: “were” = dreams and wishes. “Was” = past facts.
Final Thoughts
The choice between “If she was” and “If she were” isn’t random—it’s all about context. Use “was” for past possibilities and “were” for hypotheticals. Once you get the hang of the subjunctive mood, it becomes second nature. And while casual English may bend the rule, knowing the difference makes you a stronger writer, clearer speaker, and more confident communicator.
FAQs
Q1. Can I say “If she was you” instead of “If she were you”?
No. The correct phrase is always “If I were you” or “If she were you” in hypothetical situations.
Q2. Why do so many people say “If she was” even when it’s wrong?
Because spoken English often prioritizes ease and speed over strict grammar.
Q3. Is “If she were” still used in modern English?
Yes, especially in formal writing, business English, literature, and academic contexts.
Q4. Do exams like IELTS and TOEFL expect the correct form?
Absolutely. They test grammar accuracy, so knowing the difference can boost your score.
Q5. Can I just use “was” all the time?
Not if you want to sound polished. “Was” works in casual talk, but “were” shows mastery in writing and professional communication.
