If it was / if it were
In his song "Texas", the famous country singer George Strait says once 'if it weren't for Texas' and four times more 'if it wasn't for Texas'. Yes, both expressions in the same song. That baffled me when I heard it. What's in your opinion the correct one? Of course, the singer was born in Texas. In my opinion (although English is not my native language), here the correct one would be 'if it weren't' , just like when you say 'If I were you, I wouldn't do that, pal.'
Part of the lyrics:
I wouldn't be a Willy fan
Nobody would swim the Rio Grand
I wouldn't be an American
If it weren't for Texas
There'd be no Austin City Limit sign
No Lonestar of any kind
If it wasn't for Texas etc
Top answer
I've no idea why it was used both ways in the song. Certainly, both were" and "was" are possible, and neither is more 'correct' than the other. This use of "were" is sometimes called the 'irrealis' mood.
- I've no idea why it was used both ways in the song.
- Certainly, both were" and "was" are possible, and neither is more 'correct' than the other.
- This use of "were" is sometimes called the 'irrealis' mood.
- The only real difference is that irrealis "were" is seen as being slightly more formal than the preterite "was".
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I've no idea why it was used both ways in the song.
Certainly, both were" and "was" are possible, and neither is more 'correct' than the other.
This use of "were" is sometimes called the 'irrealis' mood. The only real difference is that irrealis "were" is seen as being slightly more formal than the preterite "was".
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