When I began learning advanced English, I found that mastering grammar felt like learning to play chess – simple in the start, yet more strategic as I dive deeper. One of the most persistent challenges for learners and native speakers alike was choosing between “If She Was or If She Were.” These phrases might seem like a matter of style, but the truth lies in a fundamental difference rooted in mood.
In grammar, we use the indicative and subjunctive moods to express meaning. The indicative states facts – you’d say “if she was late” when it’s likely true. The subjunctive, however, refers to things imagined, wished, or completely unreal. That’s why “if she were taller” is correct in that case. Understanding this difference isn’t just about following rules – it’s about recognizing the kind of situation you’re talking about. That small shift helps your English sound more natural, whether you’re writing formally or speaking casually.
Understanding the Subjunctive Mood in English
To understand when to use “if she was” or “if she were,” we must first explore the subjunctive mood – a concept that sounds intimidating but is actually straightforward.
What Is the Subjunctive Mood?
The subjunctive mood is used to describe:
- Hypothetical situations
- Wishes
- Suggestions
- Contrary-to-fact statements
It expresses what could be, should be, or might be – rather than what is or was.
In contrast, the indicative mood is used for statements that reflect reality or fact.
Subjunctive vs. Indicative Mood: Comparison Table
| Mood | Purpose | Example |
| Indicative | Talks about real situations | She was at the meeting. |
| Subjunctive | Talks about unreal or hypothetical | If she were the boss, things would change. |
Why It Matters
Choosing the wrong mood can change your meaning completely:
If she was your friend… (maybe she was, maybe she wasn’t – real possibility) If she were your friend… (she’s not; you’re imagining it)
This single word changes the entire tone and meaning of the sentence.
When to Use “If She Was”
The phrase “if she was” is used when talking about something that:
- Possibly happened in the past
- Could be true or is being investigated
- Is based on reality or facts
This form uses the indicative mood.
Examples of Correct Usage
- If she was at the party, I didn’t see her.
- If she was the one who called, why didn’t she leave a message?
- If she was late, it wasn’t her fault.
In all these examples, the speaker is talking about a real possibility – not a hypothetical.
Common Use Cases for “If She Was”
| Context | Example | Mood |
| Factual past | If she was there, she saw what happened. | Indicative |
| Investigative | If she was involved, we need to speak to her. | Indicative |
| Speculative past | If she was feeling sick, she should’ve said something. | Indicative |
When to Use “If She Were”
Use “if she were” when referring to situations that are:
- Imaginary or hypothetical
- Unreal or contrary to current facts
- Wishes, dreams, or regrets
This form uses the subjunctive mood.
Examples of Correct Usage
- If she were here, she would help.
- If she were taller, she could play basketball professionally.
- I wish she were my mentor.
These sentences describe scenarios that are not real but imagined.
Typical Scenarios Requiring “Were”
| Situation | Example |
| Hypothetical future | If she were to win the lottery, she’d travel the world. |
| Contrary-to-fact present | If she were the CEO, she’d raise salaries. |
| Regret | I wish she were still alive. |
| Dream | If she were my sister, I’d be thrilled. |
Key Rule: The verb “were” stays the same regardless of the subject.
If I were,
If he were,
If she were,
If you were – all are correct in the subjunctive.
Are “If She Was” and “If She Were” Ever Interchangeable?
Sometimes, the lines blur – and this is where confusion creeps in.
In informal spoken English, you’ll hear both forms used interchangeably – even when technically incorrect. But in formal writing or edited speech, the distinction still matters.
When They Seem Interchangeable
- In speech, people often say: “If she was here, she’d help,” when they mean a hypothetical case.
- In writing, especially academic or professional work, it’s better to use: “If she were here…”
While the meaning might still be understood, grammar purists and style guides recommend sticking to the rule.
Expert Opinion:
“The subjunctive is on life support in casual English, but it’s still considered correct in formal contexts.” – The Chicago Manual of Style
Contextual Examples to See the Difference Clearly
Let’s look at some side-by-side examples to drive the point home.
| Context | “If She Was” | “If She Were” |
| Real past event | If she was angry, she didn’t show it. | ❌ Incorrect |
| Hypothetical | ❌ Incorrect | If she were angry, she’d leave. |
| Uncertainty about past | If she was home, she didn’t answer. | ❌ Not subjunctive |
| Imaginary future | ❌ Incorrect | If she were to win, it’d shock everyone. |
| Wishes | ❌ Incorrect | I wish she were here. |
Key Takeaway: Use “was” when referring to real events and “were” for imagined, hypothetical, or contrary-to-fact scenarios.
Subjunctive Mood in Pop Culture and Literature
The subjunctive isn’t just for grammar nerds – it shows up in stories, scripts, and songs.
Examples from Popular Culture
- “If I Were a Boy” by Beyoncé Hypothetical: imagining what life would be like in a different role.
- “If I Were King” by Justin Currie Clearly hypothetical, not a real role.
- In Literature: “If she were to die, I’d be lost.” – a line that might appear in drama, fiction, or poetry.
These creative works stick to the subjunctive mood to signal longing, wishful thinking, or alternative realities.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Let’s bust a few myths:
Myth: “If she were” is outdated and no longer used.
Fact: It’s still widely used in formal English, legal documents, academic writing, and literature.
Myth: You can always use “was.”
Fact: Using “was” in a hypothetical scenario is incorrect in standard grammar. It changes the meaning and tone.
Myth: It doesn’t matter in casual conversation.
Fact: It might not always be corrected in conversation, but in writing and exams (like TOEFL or IELTS), using the wrong mood will cost you.
Improving Your English: Practical Tips and Grammar Tricks
Strategies for Mastery
- Substitution Test: Replace “she” with “I.” If “were” sounds right, it’s probably correct.
- Think Hypothetically: Ask yourself – Is this imagined?
- Journal Daily: Use the sentence starter, “If I were…” every day.
Quick Subjunctive Quiz
Choose the correct form:
- If she (was/were) smarter, she’d solve it. → Were
- If she (was/were) at the game, I didn’t see her. → Was
- I wish she (was/were) here right now. → Were
- If she (was/were) angry, she didn’t show it. → Was
- If she (was/were) you, what would she do? → Were
Case Studies: Real-Life Grammar in Action
Case Study 1: Corporate Memo
“If the client were to withdraw funding, the project timeline would collapse.”
This use of “were” shows a hypothetical scenario – something not happening yet but being planned for.
Case Study 2: News Report
“If she was in the building at 9 p.m., security footage should confirm it.”
Here, the event is being investigated – the statement reflects a real possibility.
Case Study 3: Legal Contract
“If the tenant were to default on payment, penalties would apply.”
Formal legal documents often rely on the subjunctive mood to outline possible but unrealized scenarios.
Expert Quotes on Subjunctive and Usage
“The subjunctive mood in English expresses the world not as it is, but as it might be, or might have been.” – Oxford English Grammar
“While many English speakers use ‘was’ across the board, writers and professionals should preserve ‘were’ to express the unreal.” – Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary
Final Grammar Tips: How to Never Confuse “If She Was” vs. “If She Were” Again
- Reality Check: If it’s real → use was
- Hypothetical or wish? → use were
- “I” Test: If it sounds right with “I were,” you’re using subjunctive correctly.
- Mnemonics:
- WISH = WERE
- WEIRD = WERE
Summary Table: Use Cases and Grammar Mood
| Situation | Use “Was” | Use “Were” |
| Real past events | ✅ | ❌ |
| Hypothetical scenarios | ❌ | ✅ |
| Wishes and regrets | ❌ | ✅ |
| Unlikely conditions | ❌ | ✅ |
| Everyday casual speech | ✅ (common but informal) | ✅ (correct in writing) |
Conclusion
Using “if she were” instead of “if she was” isn’t about sounding fancy – it’s about clarity, precision, and credibility.
In writing, professional communication, and exams, choosing the right mood makes a big difference.
If she were serious about grammar, she’d bookmark this article.
FAQs
Is “if she were” grammatically correct?
Yes, “if she were” is grammatically correct when referring to hypothetical or unreal situations. It follows the rules of the subjunctive mood, which is used to express imagined, wished-for, or contrary-to-fact conditions.
When should I use “if she was” instead of “if she were”?
Use “if she was” when referring to a real event that possibly happened in the past. For example, “If she was at the meeting, I didn’t see her.” This is the indicative mood, used for factual or possible statements.
Why does “if she were” use “were” instead of “was”?
The word “were” is used here because it’s part of the subjunctive mood, not the regular past tense. The subjunctive uses “were” for all subjects (even singular ones like “she”) when expressing hypotheticals or conditions contrary to fact.
Is it wrong to say “if she was” in casual speech?
No, it’s not wrong in casual speech. Many native speakers use “if she was” even when they technically mean “if she were.” However, in formal or academic writing, using “if she were” in hypotheticals is preferred for grammatical accuracy.
Can I use “if she were” with future tense ideas?
Yes, but only when expressing a hypothetical situation that’s unlikely or impossible. For example, “If she were to win the lottery, she’d travel the world.” Even though it refers to a future idea, it’s still using the subjunctive to show improbability.
