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Which is more formal?

Which is more formal?

If I was you....
If I were you....


Votes: 236 Comments: 10 Added: November 2003
Comments:
Red5 - 1st November 2003 14:44
I think 'were' is always more formal that 'was'.
 
italianbro - 4th November 2003 14:58
"were" is the subjunctive in this case, and hence even the corrrect form.
 
tdol - 6th November 2003 23:14
They're both correct- 'was' is more comon. I recommend using 'were' in formal writing because it is seen by many of its users as 'more correct'; so make them happy. ;-)
 
Joan - 15th November 2003 02:16
"Were" is definitely more formal.
 
andy - 27th November 2003 10:19
Was is not at all correct!! People use "was" because they don't know how to speak their own language! For the record, "If I were you, I'd learn how to speak English."
 
italianbro - 3rd January 2004 01:09
Thoroughly agree with andy
 
tdol - 28th January 2004 10:09
You may agree, but Andy is expressing an opinion and not a fact. The sheer numbers of native speakers who use 'was' means that either is acceptable,and ESL exams accept both. ;-)
 
grahamcurrie - 10th February 2004 01:09
"Were" is formal and correct. "Was" is informal and certainly not incorrect
 
RonBee - 25th November 2006 07:00
"Were" is formal and correct. "Was" is informal and correct.
 
Dr M - 18th December 2006 20:25
Were is correct, period. Using "was" is like using "ain't;" you'll communictate your point -- and your ignorance.
 
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