Which is more formal? |
|
Votes: 299
Comments: 10
Added: November 2003
| 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. |
