the FCE University of Cambridge

[ostap77]

Is ''was" in the second conditional accepted as the correct answer in the FCE examination?

[5jj]

Is ''was" in the second conditional exaccepted as the correct answer in the FCE examination?

I don't know, these days. Let's hope someone who knows can tell us. In the meantime, I'd recommend that you use 'were', just in case Cambridge don't like 'was'.

[ostap77]

I don't know, these days. Let's hope someone who knows can tell us. In the meantime, I'd recommend that you use 'were', just in case Cambridge don't like 'was'.

Perhaps you might be aware of other English Language Examinations?

[5jj]

Perhaps you might be aware of other English Language Examinations?

I don't know. I'd recommend 'were' for all examinations. You are safe with that.

[bhaisahab]

The only exam I know about for certain is the French Baccalaureate, in that exam "were" would be expected, "was" would be considered wrong and points would be lost. I coached some students for the Bac 2010 so I know that this is currently true. As fivejedjon indicated, use "were" and you won't go wrong.

[Tdol]

Yes, it is OK- I remember reading it in some of their information. They no longer use it as a testing item- you'd have to go back a very long time to find If I was/were being tested.

But if I can third things- were doesn't annoy people who say was, but was can annoy some who say were, which is why people say things like 'were' is preferred in formal usage. Make a pedant happy and your world could become a better place- job interviews, etc.

[Tdol]

PS Gmat regard it as an error, at least they did last time I looked.