"if" problems

[LuMattos]

I'm always confused when it comes to "if" sentences... which one is correct?

"if that were the case"
or
"if that was the case"

thanks a lot
Luciana

 

[riverkid]

I'm always confused when it comes to "if" sentences... which one is correct?

"if that were the case"
or
"if that was the case"

thanks a lot
Luciana

Both are correct, Lu and both are in common use. The second can carry two meanings but the context would clue a person in to which one it was.

If that was the case = if that were the case:

BOTH = That's not the case so both represent counterfactuals.

If that was the case

can equal,

"allowing that that was actually the case, ...

Jack: I bought the stuff you wanted, Mr Jones but they charged a new environmental fee for the containers so I had to pay $2.87 more.

Mr Jones: If that was the case then I'd better get my wallet and give you the extra.