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Anonymous Posted 20 years ago
Grammar
If I were you VS. If I was you
I'm sorrry if this had been answered before, but not too long ago, I made a bet with a friend of mine regarding the proper usage of, what I believe to be, a conditional subjuctive sentence.
I said that "If I was you..." was not correct English and that it should be "If I were you..."
He brought a book which was, supposedly, published by Oxford University that stated that both sentences were correct.
Does anyone know whether this is true? Beyond that, if I'm correct, could you give me a link to a credible internet site which would prove me right?
I've been trying to find an answer, but most sites don't seem credible enough. I mean, they wouldn't compare to "Oxford book" all that well.
Thank you.
I said that "If I was you..." was not correct English and that it should be "If I were you..."
He brought a book which was, supposedly, published by Oxford University that stated that both sentences were correct.
Does anyone know whether this is true? Beyond that, if I'm correct, could you give me a link to a credible internet site which would prove me right?
I've been trying to find an answer, but most sites don't seem credible enough. I mean, they wouldn't compare to "Oxford book" all that well.
Thank you.
Top answer
if + were vs if + was -> usually both can be used, 'were' being more likely in formal English (was - spoken) 'Were' is more usual than 'was' in the advice form
- if + were vs if + was -> usually both can be used, 'were' being more likely in formal English (was - spoken) 'Were' is more usual than 'was' in the advice form
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1 Answers
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if + were vs if + was -> usually both can be used, 'were' being more likely in formal English (was - spoken)
'Were' is more usual than 'was' in the advice form
'Were' is more usual than 'was' in the advice form
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