If There Was vs. If There Were – Which is Correct?

“If there was” is used for real or possible past conditions, typically with singular subjects. “If there were” is employed for hypothetical, unreal, or contrary-to-fact conditions, often indicating the subjunctive mood, regardless of the subject’s number. Both phrases are grammatically correct, but their appropriate usage depends entirely on whether the condition described is factual or imagined. Choosing correctly ensures clarity and precision.

If There Was or If There Were – Which is Correct?

The distinction between “if there was” and “if there were” lies in the reality or hypothetical nature of the condition being expressed. “If there was” is used when referring to a past condition that was real, possible, or factual. It aligns with the indicative mood, describing what actually happened or could have happened.

Conversely, “if there were” is employed to describe a hypothetical, unreal, or contrary-to-fact condition. This usage signals the subjunctive mood, indicating a situation that is wished for, imagined, or unlikely to occur. It applies regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural.

For a more general overview of these two verbs, explore the broader topic of Was vs. Were.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

To remember the difference, think of “WEREwolf.” A werewolf is a mythical, imaginary creature—something unreal or hypothetical. Therefore, if you’re discussing something that isn’t real, is imagined, or is contrary to fact, use “if there were.” If the situation is a real possibility, a factual past event, or something that could have genuinely happened, then “if there was” is appropriate.

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
If there was	Conditional phrase	Expresses a real or possible past condition (indicative mood)	If there was a problem, we addressed it immediately.
If there were	Conditional phrase	Expresses a hypothetical, unreal, or contrary-to-fact condition (subjunctive mood)	If there were more hours in the day, I would read more.

How to Use If There Was

“If there was” is used to introduce a conditional clause that refers to a real or potentially real situation in the past. It is typically followed by a singular subject and belongs to the indicative mood, which is used for statements of fact or probability. This construction is common when asking about or referring to a past event or condition that either existed or could have existed. It implies a degree of factuality or a genuine inquiry about a past state.

Example 1: If there was a delay yesterday, it was due to unexpected traffic on the highway.

Example 2: The technician asked if there was any unusual noise coming from the machine.

Example 3: If there was an issue with your order, please contact our customer service department.

Etymology of the word If There Was

The phrase “if there was” combines several elements. “If” originates from Old English “gif,” meaning “whether, in case that.” “There” comes from Old English “þær,” indicating a place. “Was” is the past singular indicative form of the verb “to be,” stemming from Old English “wæs.” Together, these words form a common conditional construction used to refer to a specific condition or event in the past.

How to Use If There Were

“If there were” is used to introduce a conditional clause that describes a hypothetical, unreal, or contrary-to-fact situation. This construction signals the subjunctive mood, which is employed to express wishes, possibilities, doubts, or conditions that are not true or are highly unlikely. Crucially, “if there were” is used for both singular and plural subjects when expressing these unreal conditions. It is a cornerstone of the second conditional, where the main clause often uses “would” + base verb.

Example 1: If there were an easier solution, we would certainly implement it.

Example 2: She spoke as if there were no consequences for her actions.

Example 3: If I were in charge, I would make different decisions.

Etymology of the word If There Were

Similar to “if there was,” “if” and “there” retain their Old English origins. “Were” is the past subjunctive form of the verb “to be.” Its origin traces back to Old English “wæron” (plural past indicative) and “wære” (singular past subjunctive). In modern English, “were” has largely taken on the role of the past subjunctive for all persons and numbers in hypothetical conditional clauses, emphasizing the non-factual nature of the condition.

Related Concepts

Understanding broader grammatical concepts helps clarify the distinction between “if there was” and “if there were,” enhancing your grasp of conditional sentences.

• Subjunctive Mood: A grammatical mood used to express wishes, desires, hypothetical situations, or conditions contrary to fact. It often employs “were” for all subjects (singular and plural) in such contexts, emphasizing the non-factual nature of the statement.
• Conditional Clauses: Clauses that state a condition and its result. They typically begin with “if” (or other conjunctions like “unless,” “provided that”) and can express various types of conditions—real, unreal, or past—each requiring specific verb forms in both the conditional clause and the main clause.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “I wondered if there was any hope for us, after all, after everything we had been through.” (From a contemporary novel, reflecting a real past possibility or uncertainty)
• “The economic forecast questioned if there were sufficient measures in place to prevent a recession, implying a hypothetical lack.” (News analysis, discussing a potential, unrealized condition)
• “If there was a reason for his sudden change of heart, he kept it to himself.” (Biography, referring to a factual, though undisclosed, past reason)
• “She often dreamed if there were a world where peace reigned supreme, free from conflict.” (Poetry, expressing a hypothetical, ideal world)
• “The regulations stipulate that if there was a previous violation, stricter penalties apply.” (Legal document, referring to a real past condition)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. If ________ a message earlier, I didn’t receive it.
2. He behaves as if ________ no tomorrow.
3. I asked if ________ any remaining tickets for the concert.
4. If ________ a magic wand, I would fix all the world’s problems.
5. They needed to know if ________ a clear path forward.

Answer Key

1. was
2. were
3. was
4. were
5. was

Alternatives for Expressing Conditions

Alternative Phrase	Context/Nuance
Provided that	Emphasizes a specific condition that must be met.
Assuming that	Introduces a premise or a hypothetical scenario.
In the event that	Formal way to refer to a possible future occurrence.
Should there be	A more formal or slightly less direct way to express a condition.
Supposing that	Invites the listener/reader to imagine a scenario.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can I always use “if there were” for hypothetical situations, even with a singular subject?
Yes, “if there were” is the grammatically correct and standard form for hypothetical, unreal, or contrary-to-fact conditions, regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural. This consistency reflects its use in the subjunctive mood.

Question 2: Is “if there was” ever correct with a singular subject?
Absolutely. “If there was” is correct when referring to a real or possible past condition with a singular subject. For example, “If there was a storm last night, I slept through it” correctly uses “was” because it discusses a real past possibility.

Question 3: What is the difference between “if I was” and “if I were”?
Similar to “if there was/were,” “if I was” refers to a real past situation or a past inquiry (“If I was late, I apologize”). “If I were” refers to a hypothetical or contrary-to-fact situation, employing the subjunctive mood (“If I were a millionaire, I’d travel the world”).

Conclusion

The choice between “if there was” and “if there were” hinges fundamentally on whether you are discussing a real or possible past condition versus a hypothetical, unreal, or contrary-to-fact situation. “If there was” correctly describes factual or probable past conditions, while “if there were” signals the subjunctive mood for imagined or impossible scenarios. Mastering this distinction enhances your precision and credibility in both written and spoken English, particularly in formal contexts where grammatical accuracy is paramount.