Subjunctive: 'If I were...' (Hypothetical)

This grammar is all about distance. You are creating distance from the truth. If you say If I am happy, you might actually be happy. If you say If I were happy, you are definitely sad right now. It is a mood, not just a tense. It tells the listener: "Hey, I am just imagining this!" You are signaling that the situation is hypothetical. It works like a grammar traffic light. The red light means the situation is stopped in reality. It only exists in your mind. You will see this often in literature and business meetings. It adds a layer of sophistication to your English. It is like wearing a suit instead of a t-shirt. Both work, but one looks much sharper.

1. 1Creating this structure is actually quite repetitive. You do not need to worry about subject-verb agreement here. Follow these simple steps:
2. 2Start your sentence with the word If.
3. 3Choose your subject (I, you, he, she, it, we, they).
4. 4Use the verb were for every single subject.
5. 5Add your hypothetical condition (e.g., a millionaire, taller, there).
6. 6Start the second clause with a comma.
7. 7Use would, could, or might followed by a base verb.
8. 8Example: If she were the boss, she would change the rules.
9. 9Notice how we use were even though the subject is she. It feels wrong at first, but it is right. Think of it as a special rule for a special mood.

You will use this pattern in three main scenarios. First, use it for giving advice. The classic phrase is If I were you.... It is a polite way to tell someone what to do. Second, use it for impossible situations. Suppose you are ordering food and want a steak. You might say, If I were a billionaire, I would buy this whole restaurant. You are not a billionaire, so you use were. Third, use it for formal requests or wishes. If it were possible, I would like to move the meeting. This sounds much more professional than using was. It shows you understand the nuance of the situation. It is perfect for job interviews or writing emails to your professor.

Do not use this for things that might actually happen. This is a common trap. If there is a real chance of something being true, use the indicative. For example, if you are asking directions: If I was on the wrong bus, please tell me. Here, it is possible you were on the wrong bus. You are talking about a real past event. Another example is If it rains tomorrow, I will stay home. This is a real possibility, so no were is needed. Only use were when you are 100% sure the situation is imaginary. If you use it for real things, you will sound very confusing. It is like using a hammer to eat soup. It is just the wrong tool for the job.

The biggest mistake is using was in a hypothetical sentence. You might hear people say, If I was you, I'd go. In casual conversation, this is fine. However, in a C1 exam or a formal report, it is a mistake. Another mistake is forgetting the would in the second part. You cannot say, If I were rich, I buy a car. You need that would to keep the hypothetical feeling alive. Also, watch out for the "double would" error. Never say, If I would be you.... The would only belongs in the result, not the if part. It is like putting your shoes on before your socks. The order matters for the logic to work.

You should know the difference between this and the "Real Past." Look at these two sentences. 1. If I was rude, I apologize. 2. If I were rude, I wouldn't have friends. In the first one, I might have actually been rude. It is a real past possibility. In the second one, I am imagining a personality trait I do not have. One is about a fact; the other is about a concept. Also, compare it to I wish. We say I wish I were taller. This follows the same subjunctive rule. It is all about things that are not true right now. Once you master If I were, you have mastered half of the English subjunctive.