English can be tricky, especially when you run into phrases like “If he was” and “If he were.”
At first glance, they seem interchangeable, but they carry subtle differences that can change the meaning of your sentence entirely.
Whether you’re writing an essay, a story, or just chatting with friends, understanding the distinction is crucial.
In this guide, we’ll break down the grammar rules, historical background, modern usage, and practical tips to help you confidently use “if he was or if he were” in the right context.
Understanding the Subjunctive Mood
The phrase “If he were” belongs to something called the subjunctive mood. In English, moods indicate whether a verb is stating a fact, asking a question, giving a command, or expressing a wish. The subjunctive specifically expresses hypotheticals, wishes, or situations contrary to reality.
For example:
- Hypothetical: “If he were taller, he could play basketball.”
- Wish: “I wish he were here to see this.”
Notice how using “were” instead of “was” signals that the situation is not real but imagined.
Why it matters: Many writers skip this rule in casual English, but mastering it improves clarity, precision, and makes your writing sound polished.
Historical Background
The subjunctive mood has deep roots in English, tracing back to Old English and even earlier in Latin-based grammar traditions.
- In Middle English, the subjunctive was used much more frequently in speech and writing.
- Over time, especially in modern American English, its usage has declined, leading to widespread confusion.
Despite this decline, formal writing, literature, and legal documents still preserve subjunctive rules. That’s why sentences like “If he were president” remain standard in professional contexts.
The Use of “If He Was” in the Indicative Mood
When you say “If he was,” you are usually using the indicative mood, which deals with real, factual, or certain events.
Examples:
- “If he was at the party, I didn’t see him.”
- “If he was late yesterday, the meeting started without him.”
Key point: Here, “was” refers to something that actually happened. There’s no hypothetical or imaginary scenario—just facts.
Key Distinction: Indicative vs. Subjunctive
Understanding the difference is simpler when you see it side by side. Let’s break it down in a table:
| Mood | Phrase | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indicative | If he was | Real past events | “If he was tired, he slept early.” |
| Subjunctive | If he were | Hypothetical, wishes, contrary-to-fact | “If he were tired, he would take a nap.” |
Quick tip:
- Use “was” for reality or events that likely happened.
- Use “were” for imaginary, hypothetical, or wished-for situations.
Are “If He Was” and “If He Were” Interchangeable?
In casual conversation, people often mix them up, and sometimes both are understood without confusion.
- Example:
- Casual: “If he was rich, he’d buy a yacht.”
- Formal: “If he were rich, he’d buy a yacht.”
The subtle difference:
- “Was” implies he might actually be rich.
- “Were” emphasizes this is hypothetical or unlikely.
Rule of thumb: In academic writing, journalism, and formal essays, always use “were” for hypotheticals.
Why This Confusion Happens
Several factors contribute to the blur between “was” and “were”:
- Decline of the subjunctive: Modern English speakers rarely use it in daily conversation.
- Influence of spoken language: Informal speech often prioritizes simplicity.
- Regional differences: American English tends to favor “was” more than British English.
- Media and literature: TV shows and novels often skip strict grammar rules.
Even advanced speakers sometimes default to “was” because it sounds more natural in conversation.
Subtle Differences in Meaning
Let’s explore some nuanced examples to see the difference clearly:
- Fact: “If he was at the library, he didn’t see me.” (He might have been there.)
- Hypothetical: “If he were at the library, he could study in peace.” (Imaginary scenario.)
Mini exercise: Fill in the blanks correctly:
- “If she ___ taller, she could reach the shelf.” → were
- “If he ___ late yesterday, we missed him.” → was
Pro tip: When in doubt, ask yourself: Am I talking about reality or imagining something?
Practical Tips for Writers and Speakers
Here are some actionable tips to avoid confusion:
- Tip 1: Use “were” for dreams and hypotheticals.
- Example: “If I were a millionaire, I’d travel the world.”
- Tip 2: Use “was” for real events.
- Example: “If she was tired, she went to bed early.”
- Tip 3: Read your sentences aloud.
- Ask yourself: Does it sound like you’re stating a fact or imagining something?
- Tip 4: Don’t overcorrect in casual speech.
- “If he was” is acceptable in conversation.
- Tip 5: Make a cheat sheet.
Cheat Sheet Table:
| Situation | Correct Phrase |
|---|---|
| Imaginary/hypothetical | If he were |
| Wishing | If he were |
| Past factual event | If he was |
| Formal writing | If he were |
| Casual conversation | If he was / were acceptable |
Case Study: Academic vs. Casual English
Scenario 1 – Academic Essay:
- Incorrect: “If he was the CEO, he would have made better decisions.”
- Correct: “If he were the CEO, he would have made better decisions.”
- Reason: Academic essays require formal subjunctive use for hypotheticals.
Scenario 2 – Casual Text Message:
- “If he was at the game, I didn’t see him.” → Acceptable in everyday texting.
Insight: Tone and audience dictate your choice. Writers who understand this make fewer grammatical missteps.
FAQs About “If He Was or If He Were”
What is the main difference between “if he was” and “if he were”?
Answer: “Was” refers to real past events; “were” refers to hypotheticals, wishes, or imagined scenarios.
Can I use “if he was” instead of “if he were”?
Answer: In casual conversation, yes. In formal writing, it’s better to use “were” for hypotheticals.
Why do we still use “if he were” in English?
Answer: It preserves clarity in hypothetical situations and maintains traditional grammar standards.
Is “if he were” outdated?
Answer: Not at all. It’s standard in professional and academic contexts.
How can I easily remember which one to use?
Answer: Use the phrase “were for wishes, was for what really was.”
Conclusion
Mastering “if he was or if he were” boils down to understanding reality vs. imagination.
- Use “was” for real, factual events.
- Use “were” for hypotheticals, wishes, and situations contrary to fact.
With practice, reading aloud, and applying these simple rules, you’ll never hesitate when deciding which phrase to use.
Remember, clarity and context always win over rigid rule-following in casual English, but knowing the subjunctive adds polish to your writing and speech.
Hi! I’m Sami, a 28-year-old content writer with a love for words and storytelling. Writing has always been my way of expressing ideas, sharing knowledge, and connecting with people. I enjoy creating engaging and well-researched content—whether it’s blogs, articles, or social media posts—that not only informs but also inspires readers. My goal is to turn complex ideas into clear, creative, and meaningful pieces of writing that leave a lasting impact.
