Use of was and were with first person singular 'I"

Question

which is the correct auxillery (Was / were) with 'I'

I was a student.

I weren't a business man.

If I were a bird I could fly

Are these sentences correct?

Why both auxilleries used for the same subject ''I''?

Can we we both auxilleries to the same subject?

Regards · Accepted Answer

ahemmedsaiwhich is the correct auxillery (Was / were) with 'I'

Hi,
I was a student. [Y]
I wasn't a business man. [Y]
If I were a bird, I could fly. [Y] Comma is optional.

Are these sentences correct?
Why both auxilleries used for the same subject ''I''? Generally, you should use "I was". You should use "I were" when the action in the main clause depends on a certain condition which has to be fulfilled. It's also known as "if-clauses". I'm not a bird. But if I were a bird, I could fly. I'm not rich. But if I were rich, I would buy whatever I want.
Can we we both auxilleries to the same subject?

Regards

Hrsanei · Answer

Hi.

The right auxilary verb for I is was/am.

You have to use were in hypothetical situations where you are talking about your imagination. Second conditional is one of the structure in which you have to use were for I.

Note the following examples;

1. If I were rich, I would help the poor.

I am not rich and the situation is real.

Keep in mind, because the if clause is the first clause, comma must be used and it is not optional by ay means.

2. I wish I were taller

Again, it is not a real situation. I am not tall

3. He acts as if I were his slave.

I am not his slave.

I hope it helps

Anonymous · Answer

Thank u for the clarification with the examples.

Use of was and were with first person singular 'I"

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