Introduction
Have you ever heard a native English speaker say, “I wish I were taller,” and wondered why they didn’t say “was”? You are not alone. This is the subjunctive mood in action, and mastering it will instantly make your English sound more natural and precise. In this post, we will focus on one of the trickiest parts: when and how to use “were” for hypotheticals and wishes.
What Is the Subjunctive Mood?
The subjunctive mood is a special verb form used to talk about situations that are not real, not true, or not certain. Unlike the indicative mood (which states facts, like “I am tired”), the subjunctive expresses wishes, hypothetical conditions, suggestions, and demands. The most common subjunctive form you will encounter is “were” used with “I,” “he,” “she,” and “it” — instead of the usual “was.”
Rules
- Use “were” for unreal or hypothetical conditions. When you are imagining a situation that is contrary to fact (not true now), use “were” for all subjects. Example: “If I were rich, I would travel the world.”
- Use “were” after “wish” for present wishes. To express a desire for something that is not true now, use “wish” + subject + “were.” Example: “I wish she were here.”
- Use “were” after “as if” and “as though.” When describing something that seems unreal or imaginary, use “were.” Example: “He acts as if he were the boss.”
- Use “were” in fixed expressions. Some common phrases always use the subjunctive “were.” Example: “If I were you, I would apologize.”
- Do not use “was” in formal subjunctive contexts. In casual speech, some people say “If I was,” but for standard, correct English, especially in writing, use “were.”
How to Use It
Follow these steps to use the subjunctive “were” correctly:
- Identify if the situation is real or unreal. Ask yourself: Is this true right now? If the answer is no, you likely need the subjunctive. Example: “I am not a bird” (true) vs. “If I were a bird” (unreal).
- Choose the correct structure for wishes. Use “I wish” + subject + “were” + complement. Example: “I wish it were summer.”
- Use “if” clauses for hypotheticals. In second conditional sentences (unreal present/future), use “if” + subject + “were” + complement. Example: “If he were more patient, he would succeed.”
- Check for “as if” or “as though.” These phrases often signal a subjunctive. Example: “She talks as if she were an expert.”
- Practice with fixed expressions. Memorize common phrases like “If I were you” and “I wish I were there.”
Examples in Sentences
- If I were you, I would take that job offer.
- I wish she were more understanding.
- He behaves as if he were the king of the world.
- If it were possible, we would visit you every week.
- I wish I were better at playing the guitar.
- She looks as though she were about to cry.
- If he were here, he would know what to do.
- I wish the weather were warmer today.
- They treat me as if I were a stranger.
- If I were in your shoes, I would accept the invitation.
- I wish it were not so late.
- He talks as if he were the only one who knows the truth.
Common Mistakes
- Mistake 1: Using “was” after “wish” in formal English.
❌ I wish I was taller.
✅ I wish I were taller. - Mistake 2: Using “was” in “if” clauses for unreal situations.
❌ If she was here, she would help.
✅ If she were here, she would help. - Mistake 3: Forgetting the subjunctive after “as if” or “as though.”
❌ He acts as if he was the boss.
✅ He acts as if he were the boss. - Mistake 4: Using “were” in real situations (indicative mood).
❌ I were at home yesterday. (This is a fact, so use “was.”)
✅ I was at home yesterday. - Mistake 5: Overusing “were” in all conditional sentences. Remember: only use it for unreal or hypothetical conditions, not for possible future events (first conditional).
❌ If I were late tomorrow, I will call you. (This is a real possibility.)
✅ If I am late tomorrow, I will call you.
Quick Summary
- Use “were” (not “was”) for all subjects in unreal situations.
- Use it after “wish” for present wishes.
- Use it after “as if” and “as though.”
- Use it in fixed expressions like “If I were you.”
- Do not use “were” for real facts or possible future events.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “be” (use “were” or “was”). Answers are below.
- I wish I __________ (be) on a tropical island right now.
- If he __________ (be) more careful, he wouldn’t make so many mistakes.
- She talks as if she __________ (be) the manager of the company.
- I __________ (be) at the library yesterday. (Fact)
- If I __________ (be) you, I would apply for that scholarship.
Answers: 1. were, 2. were, 3. were, 4. was, 5. were
Conclusion
Mastering the subjunctive mood with “were” is a small change that makes a big difference in your English. It helps you express wishes and hypothetical situations clearly and correctly. Keep practicing with the examples and exercises above, and soon using “were” for unreal situations will feel completely natural.
FAQ
1. What is the difference between “I wish I was” and “I wish I were”?
“I wish I were” is the grammatically correct form for the subjunctive mood, used to express a wish that is not true. “I wish I was” is common in informal spoken English, but it is considered incorrect in formal writing and standard grammar tests. Always choose “were” for wishes and hypotheticals.
2. Can I use “were” with all subjects in the subjunctive?
Yes. In the subjunctive mood, you use “were” for all subjects: I, you, he, she, it, we, they. For example: “If it were sunny,” “If we were rich,” “If they were here.” This is the key difference from the indicative mood, where you would use “was” for I, he, she, and it.
3. When should I use “was” instead of “were”?
Use “was” in the indicative mood for real, factual statements in the past tense with singular subjects (I, he, she, it). For example: “I was tired yesterday,” “She was at the party.” Use “were” for unreal, hypothetical, or wishful situations, as explained in this post.
4. Is the subjunctive mood used in other tenses?
Yes, the subjunctive mood also appears in other forms, such as the past perfect subjunctive (e.g., “If I had known”) and the present subjunctive (e.g., “It is important that he be on time”). However, the most common and tricky form for B1-B2 learners is the past subjunctive with “were,” which is the focus of this article.