Hi

Question

I would like to have some clarifications on using 'was' and 'were' with 'I'. Could you please advise which one of the following two examples is correct with some explanation.

If I were you, I would not have accepted the challenge
If I was you, I would not have accepted the challenge

Thank You.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

1. Sentences with the pattern IF ..., ... WOULD ..... almost always have the past tense in the IF-clause.

If I had the money, I would buy the car.
If I was younger, I would ride the roller coaster.
If Jack saw that, he would be very angry.
________

2. In that pattern, the word 'were' can replace 'was' (but it doesn't have to). Some people find that this substitution sounds more educated. This is the only substitution possible for a past tense form. No other past tense forms that occur in this pattern have replacements.

If I had the money, I would buy the car.
If I were younger, I would ride the roller coaster.
If Jack saw that, he would be very angry.
________

3. The replacement described in 2 above is almost always used for the special expressions "If I were you", "If I were her", "If I were him", "If he were me", and similar groups. Some people find that failure to use 'were' in these expressions sounds very uneducated.

If I were you, I would take the trip as soon as possible.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Hi
Thank you so much for the prompt response.

What I understood is, 'would have' can not be used with 'IF'.
Is my understanding correct?
Please clarify.

Thank you

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousIs my understanding correct?

It's unclear what you mean.

"would have" is not used in an if-clause, but it can be used in the clause that goes with the if-clause.

If I had seen him, I would have said hello.

The if-clause (If I had seen him) does not contain "would have", but the other clause (I would have said hello) does contain "would have".

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you so much.  I got the answer.

Hi

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions