Were, Were To, and the Formal Hypothetical

If I were you, I would accept the offer.

Notice

  • If I were you, I would accept the offer.
  • Were the economy to improve, unemployment would likely fall.
  • If it weren’t for her help, the project would have failed.
  • I wish I were more confident in meetings.

Rule

In the hypothetical subjunctive, were replaces ‘was’ for all subjects in unreal present conditions and after ‘wish’/’if only’. Were + subject + to + base verb expresses a formal, less likely future hypothetical (more tentative than the standard second conditional).

Practice

  1. Complete: ‘If I _____ (be) in charge, I would change the policy.’
    Answer: were
  2. Rewrite formally: ‘If the company grew rapidly, it would need more staff.’
    Answer: Were the company to grow rapidly, it would need more staff.
  3. Complete: ‘I wish I _____ (be) taller.’
    Answer: were
  4. Correct the error: ‘If I was you, I would apologise.’
    Answer: If I were you, I would apologise.

Connect

Practise the formal hypothetical subjunctive with real scenarios.

Try Grammar Quiz →

CEFR: Spoken Interaction — formulate ideas and opinions with precision.

Azizul Hakim
Latest posts by Azizul Hakim (see all)

Printable worksheet (PDF) Pro

PreviousNext