If She Was or If She Were? Understanding the Right Usage

When it comes to writing and speaking in English, there’s one subtle difference that trips many people up: “If she was” versus “If she were.” 

This might seem like a small grammatical distinction, but getting it right can elevate your writing, making it clearer, more professional, and more engaging. 

While both “was” and “were” are forms of the past tense of the verb “to be,” they serve different purposes depending on the situation.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the difference between these two phrases, unraveling when to use “was” and when to use “were.” We’ll explore the subjunctive mood in detail, providing practical examples, tips, and common mistakes to avoid. 

By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident in your ability to distinguish between these two forms and use them correctly, whether you’re writing a formal essay, crafting a professional email, or engaging in casual conversation.

Understanding when to use “was” and when to use “were” is more than just a grammar lesson—it’s about mastering the nuances of the English language, gaining clarity, and enhancing your communication skills. 

Let’s take a closer look at the heart of this confusion and discover how to use these terms with confidence!

The Basics of Subjunctive Mood

Before we get into the specific cases of “if she was” vs. “if she were,” it’s important to understand the concept of subjunctive mood. 

The subjunctive is a grammatical mood used in English to express wishes, hypothetical situations, contrary-to-fact scenarios, or suggestions. 

It’s distinct from the indicative mood, which is used to describe statements of fact or reality.

What is Subjunctive Mood?

The subjunctive mood is used in sentences that are not factual. These are situations that either haven’t happened yet, are unlikely to happen, or are imagined scenarios. 

The subjunctive can be tricky because its structure differs from the indicative mood, which is the one we typically use for real situations.

For example, when you say something like, “If she were here, we could discuss the plan,” you’re imagining a situation that is contrary to reality—because she is not actually there.

On the other hand, the indicative mood would be used to talk about real situations: “If she was here, we would discuss the plan.” This structure sounds correct in informal speech, but it doesn’t quite fit in hypothetical or contrary-to-reality contexts.

Why Do We Use “If She Were” Instead of “If She Was”?

The subjunctive mood requires the use of “were” in hypothetical or contrary-to-fact situations. This helps express something that is not true, or at least not certain to be true. In contrast, “was” is typically used for situations where the statement is factual or real in nature.

For example:

• If she were a doctor, she would know what to do.
  
• If she was a doctor, she knew what to do. (This suggests it’s a fact, which contradicts the hypothetical nature of the sentence.)
  

When to Use “If She Was”

Indicative Mood: Simple Past Tense Usage

In English, “was” is the past tense form of the verb “to be,” and it’s used in the indicative mood to talk about past events that actually happened. In these cases, you’re describing something that occurred in reality.

For example, when you say, “If she was at the party, she would have seen the announcement,” you’re stating a fact about the past—whether or not she was actually at the party. You’re not imagining it; you’re talking about a real event.

When “Was” is Acceptable in Hypothetical Contexts

In casual conversation and even some informal writing, “was” is sometimes used in hypothetical situations. While this is generally incorrect for formal contexts, it’s common in spoken English. 

For instance, you might hear someone say, “If she was the one who called, I missed her message.” This might sound okay in everyday language, but it’s not entirely grammatically precise.

When to Use “If She Were”

Subjunctive Mood: Hypothetical or Contrary-to-Fact Situations

Now, let’s move to the more important case: “If she were.” This is the correct form when you’re talking about hypothetical or imaginary situations. It’s used in the subjunctive mood, which refers to scenarios that are not real or are contrary to reality.

For example:

• If she were here, we could start the meeting.
  
• If she were the CEO, she would make different decisions.
  

Here, you’re imagining something that isn’t currently true. In both of these examples, “were” is used to indicate that the scenario is hypothetical.

Examples of Common Subjunctive Usage

Contrary to Reality

The subjunctive mood is used to express things that are opposite to what’s true. For instance, if you say, “If she were the president, she’d have more influence,” you’re talking about a hypothetical situation because she isn’t the president. 

This sentence expresses what would happen if she were, but it isn’t a statement of fact.

Wishes or Desires

Another common usage of the subjunctive is in wishing or expressing desires:

• “I wish she were more patient.” Here, the speaker is expressing a desire, but it’s contrary to reality—she’s not as patient as the speaker would like.
  
• “If I were you, I would take the offer.” This suggests a recommendation or advice in an imagined scenario.
  

Suggestions or Recommendations

You can also use the subjunctive mood for making suggestions:

• “If I were you, I would reconsider.” This is a piece of advice given in an imagined situation, where the speaker is suggesting what they would do if they were in the listener’s position.
  

Why the Confusion?

The Influence of Casual Speech

One of the main reasons people confuse “was” and “were” is the influence of casual speech. In everyday, informal conversation, native English speakers often use “was” in situations where the subjunctive mood would technically require “were.” 

This has become so widespread that even well-educated speakers sometimes slip into this casual usage.

For example, you might hear someone say, “If she was here, we could discuss the issue.” This sentence sounds perfectly fine in casual conversation, but technically, the subjunctive “were” should be used: “If she were here, we could discuss the issue.”

How This Affects Writing

Using “was” instead of “were” in formal writing can make your work sound more informal or sloppy. If you’re aiming to write clearly and with authority, sticking to the rules of subjunctive mood can give your writing more professionalism and precision.

How to Decide: Was or Were?

Test the Scenario

To figure out whether you should use “was” or “were,” ask yourself whether you’re describing a real situation or a hypothetical one. If the scenario is imaginary or contrary to fact, use “were.”

For example:

• “If she were my friend, I would trust her.” (Hypothetical—she’s not your friend.)
  
• “If she was my friend, I trusted her.” (This sounds like you’re describing a real past relationship, which isn’t what you want for a hypothetical situation.)
  

Rewriting for Clarity

To ensure your sentences are clear and grammatically correct, try rewriting them. If your sentence sounds awkward or overly casual with “was,” consider switching it to “were.”

Practical Examples and Exercises

Test Sentences

Practice makes perfect, so let’s work through a few examples to solidify your understanding:

1. If she ____ (be) here, we could start the meeting.
   
   • Correct answer: “were” – This is a hypothetical situation.
     
2. If she ____ (be) on time, she would have gotten the promotion.
   
   • Correct answer: “was” – This is a statement about a real event in the past.
     
3. If I ____ (be) you, I would talk to her.
   
   • Correct answer: “were” – This is advice given in an imagined situation.
     

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overusing “Was” in Hypothetical Contexts

One of the most frequent errors is overusing “was” when “were” is the correct choice. For example, saying, “If I was you, I would have done it differently” is incorrect. The correct phrase should be, “If I were you, I would have done it differently.”

When Both Are Acceptable (Context Matters)

There are times when using “was” is acceptable even in hypothetical contexts, particularly when the sentence is more informal. However, for formal writing, sticking to “were” will always be the safer, more correct choice.

Conclusion: Mastering “If She Was” vs. “If She Were”

In summary, “if she was” and “if she were” may seem interchangeable, but they actually serve distinct grammatical purposes. “Were” is the correct choice in hypothetical, contrary-to-fact, and subjunctive situations, while “was” can be used for real events or past situations. 

Understanding and mastering the difference between these two forms will not only make your writing more accurate, but it will also enhance your clarity and professionalism.

As you continue to write and speak, remember to pay attention to whether you’re talking about a real situation or imagining something that hasn’t happened. 

With a little practice, you’ll be able to confidently navigate the subtle differences between “was” and “were”, ensuring your writing sounds polished and correct every time.

FAQ:

Can I ever use “If She Was” in formal writing?

No, in formal writing, “were” should always be used for hypothetical or contrary-to-fact situations. “Was” is typically used in more informal settings or when referring to real events in the past.

Is “If She Were” always correct?

Yes, “were” is the correct form when you’re discussing a hypothetical or imagined scenario, or something that is contrary to reality. It is used in the subjunctive mood, which is appropriate for such situations.

Why do people often say “If She Was” instead of “If She Were”?

Many English speakers, especially in informal settings, tend to use “was” instead of “were” out of habit or due to casual speech patterns. However, for accurate grammar, especially in formal writing, “were” should be used for hypothetical or contrary-to-fact scenarios.

Can I use “If She Was” in casual conversations?

Yes, “If she was” is acceptable in informal speech or casual writing. People often use it in everyday conversations, even though it is not technically grammatically correct for hypothetical situations.

What if I’m unsure whether to use “was” or “were”?

If you’re unsure, ask yourself whether the scenario is real or hypothetical. If it’s an imagined situation or contrary to reality, use “were”. If you’re referring to a real past event, “was” is appropriate.