If only this weren't / If only this wasn't

ChunesAs a native English speaker, I'm having trouble determining which usage is correct.

"If only this weren't so bland, I'd be able to eat it."
"If only this wasn't so bland, I'd be able to eat it."

Which grammatical rules apply to this situation?

Both are correct. #1 is more commonly used.

I disagree. It should be "if only this weren't..." because the verb is conjugated in the subjunctive after the word "if". The second is incorrect but is used colloquially because, I think, most people aren't aware of this rule. Some native Londoners say "was you ...?" and "I done it" because that's what they've heard the majority of their peer group say.

AnonymousThe second is incorrect

Yoong Liat was closer to present usage than you are, Anon, even 6 years ago. The 'was' form is widely accepted in informal English.

Anonymousmost people aren't aware of this rule.

It works the other way: we derive 'rules' from what people use.

Thanks, Mr Micawber.

Anon is indeed behind time.