Which do you use?

[Tdol]

Both are correct, IMO, but I grew up with 'were'. ;-)

 

[Will]

AHHHHHHH :shock: !!! I need to change my vote. I wasn't think quite clearly, and I voted for "If I was..."

"If I were...." sounds correct. I grew up with it, too. Though, here in Ohio, I here "If I was..." a lot. Hence, my thinking it was correct. I feel that "If I were..." is correct.

Sorry.

 

[Tdol]

I grew up being told that 'was' was incorrect and don't use it, but still favour 'were'. It's more of an affectation than anything, but I do have it. ;-)

 

[Will]

'Was' just sounds wrong. Perhaps it's just me, but it doesn't seem right. Keep in mind I have no evidence to support this, but it just doesn't sound natural.

 

[Tdol]

It's natural to my ear but not my mouth. ;-)

 

[Will]

It's natural to my ear but not my mouth. ;-)

What? "If it were..." or "If it was..."?

 

[Tdol]

'Was'

'Were' sounds fine and speaks fine. ;-0

 

[Will]

Ah, I see.

 

[Confucius]

I voted for Was
But i realize i use Were

 

[Tdol]

I don't think you can change your vote in these polls. ;-(

 

[Will]

Then the inverse of what the poll says is what the board, or at least the board that voted, agrees with.

 

[RonBee]

I think I use "if I were" more often. Besides, I wanted to even things out.

:wink:

 

[dduck]

I'd didn't vote in this poll, because my answer is: both. I only realised a few days ago when I caught myself listening to what I was saying. Doh!

Iain

 

[Tdol]

That's interesting- most people stick to one. ;-)

 

[dduck]

I think it depends on the register. If I'm talking at a business meeting I'll likely be much more aware of my grammar, whereas if I'm down the pub chatting with friends I'm not going to concentrate or care about my 'correctness' to the same degree.

Iain

 

[Tdol]

My register changes, but this is one item too ingrained to relax with for me. ;-)

 

[jwschang]

My register changes, but this is one item too ingrained to relax with for me. ;-)

This particular poll sounds like Florida Bush against one Mr Gore. :wink:

 

[Tdol]

I'm not familiar with Florida Bush- the Texan variety is better known here. ;-)

 

[jwschang]

I'm not familiar with Florida Bush- the Texan variety is better known here. ;-)

The Texan does have a brother in Florida, but that brother was a buddyl of Mr Gore. :wink:

 

[Casiopea]

'Was' just sounds wrong. Perhaps it's just me, but it doesn't seem right. Keep in mind I have no evidence to support this, but it just doesn't sound natural.

Actually, and I just came across this myself about a year or two ago, both are English: past and present usage; They express different meanings, though:

The subjuntive use of the verb were in If I were expresses a condition that does not exist, one that's contrary to fact, whereas the indicative use of the verb was in If I was expresses a condition that 'was' probable, likely or could possibly be true.

For example,

1. If I were you (which I am not) I would take the money and run.
2. If I was you (which I most likely might be in that situation) I'd take the money and run.

The poll asks us to make a choice between subjunctive and indicative moods:

If I were is the subjunctive mood.
If I was is the indicative mood.

All the best,

Cas