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Tous les forums > SOS Teacher > If I were ?

#1 Jul 19, 2012, 9:18 PM

magic kiki
Citizen - France
Hi ,

I read recently in a text :

"If I were...", I think  it should be "if I was".

Thank you
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#2 Jul 19, 2012, 9:21 PM

Editor
Administrator - France

Hello magic kiki!

 

You can equally say; "If I was taller I would be policeman," and, "If I were taller I would be a policeman."

Saying "If I were," gives more the idea of an unreal wish rather than a realistic desire. If someone is using this structure it means what they will probably not get what they want in life.

Cheers.

SOS Teacher

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#3 Jul 20, 2012, 9:08 AM

TeacherElaine
Administrator - France
24987

Hi magic kiki,

 

If I were is the past subjunctive and more formal.

 

If I were you I would ask him first.

 In casual speech if I was you is also used....

 

Hope this helps.

 

Teacher Elaine

 

 

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