If he were not vs If he was not

[ostap77]

"He wouldn't have told us this made-up story, If he were not a liar."

Is it possible to say "If he was not a liar"?

 

[riquecohen]

"He wouldn't have told us this made-up story, If he were not a liar."

Is it possible to say "If he was not a liar"?

We frequently hear was instead of were. Were, however, is the correct form, as the subjunctive should be used when we are talking about a condition which is contrary to fact.