If It Was Possible or If It Were Possible? Which is Correct?

When I first learned the second conditional clause, I remember how tricky the English language felt, almost like doing grammar gymnastics. I was staring at my screen, scratching my heads like so many of us, wondering why it matters whether we say “if it were possible” or “if it was possible.” The rule seems simple, yet real life throws a curveball. A hypothetical or imaginary situation needs the subjunctive form, so “if it were possible” feels natural when you talk about things that aren’t real or are unlikely, like saying you would fly to the moon. I once felt completely stuck, trying to write an email that didn’t sound too formal or enough like myself because the sentence just doesn’t feel right when the mood is off. That moment hits you—you’re deciding the correct choice, and the answer depends on whether the event happened in the past, whether you’re sure about something, or whether you’re describing an uncertain instance you only wondered about.I’ve also seen people get completely intimidated by examples in books, like a scene where Blue reached a greater lead, Bang, and once more the story shifts into an imaginary twist. When I first read Everybody’s All-American by Frank Deford, a line like “if it were possible” felt out of place, yet it showed how mood can shape storytelling. Characters like Gavin, Mr. Tisdale, Miss Edna, and Junie reacted as tension raised, positions froze, silence fell, and emotions came out, proving how language choices carry meaning. I’ve felt that same pressure when a simple writing task becomes an exercise in handling a “grammar beast,” and you start second-guessing everything you thought you knew. But the answer, importantly, does exist—use “were” for imagined scenarios and “was” for factual events. When you Remember this, the whole dilemma feels lighter, like you can finally handle it without feeling shamed or weighed down. And even if the choice seems like a small detail, language has a way of shaping the collective minds of readers, helping your meaning land with ease once and for all.

Understanding Conditional Sentences

Conditional sentences are the backbone of expressing “if this happens, then that happens” situations. They allow us to talk about possibilities, hypothetical scenarios, or cause-and-effect relationships. Understanding the correct form is crucial for both spoken and written English.

There are several types of conditional sentences: zero, first, second, third, and mixed. Here’s a handy table to break them down:

Understanding these basics will help you determine whether to use was or were in your sentences.

Read More:Fly in the Face of Idiom Definition: Meaning, Origin,

If It Was Possible – When to Use

The phrase “If it was possible” is used when referring to real situations in the past tense. It deals with facts or events that may have actually occurred, rather than imagined or hypothetical situations.

Examples:

• If it was raining yesterday, the game got canceled.
• I wasn’t sure if it was possible to finish the project on time.

Key points to remember about “was”:

• Refers to past reality
• Commonly used in casual speech
• Not suitable for hypothetical or imagined situations

If It Were Possible – When to Use

On the other hand, “If it were possible” is part of the subjunctive mood, which is used for hypothetical or unreal situations. It is formal, precise, and widely considered grammatically correct for expressing conditions contrary to fact.

Examples:

• If it were possible, I would visit the moon.
• She would succeed if it were possible to get more funding.

Why “were” is used:

• Refers to imagined or unreal scenarios
• Often used in formal writing and professional communication
• Signals hypothetical thinking

Think of it this way: “were” allows you to talk about dreams, wishes, or situations that aren’t real. For example, “If I were the president, I would improve public education” is a clear hypothetical situation that cannot happen at the moment.

Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings

The most common mistake is confusing “was” and “were” in conditional sentences. Many native speakers use “was” in hypothetical situations, which is fine in casual conversation, but it’s considered informal or incorrect in writing.

Here’s a comparison:

Tips to avoid mistakes:

• Ask yourself: Is this real or hypothetical?
• Use were for imagined or unreal situations
• Use was for actual past events

By paying attention to these small details, your writing will sound more professional and precise.

Why the Subjunctive Mood Matters

The subjunctive mood might sound complicated, but it’s just a way to talk about wishes, hypotheticals, or things contrary to fact. English uses the subjunctive in formal writing, legal documents, and literature.

Everyday examples of the subjunctive mood:

• I wish it were easier to understand grammar rules.
• If I were you, I would focus on learning English conditionals.
• It is essential that he be present at the meeting.

Notice how “were” and “be” signal that the situation isn’t real. Using the subjunctive correctly enhances clarity, professionalism, and credibility in your writing.

Tips for Everyday Use

Here are actionable tips for choosing was vs. were correctly in your writing and speaking:

• Use “was” for past facts.
  • Example: If it was raining yesterday, the event was postponed.
• Use “were” for hypothetical or unreal scenarios.
  • Example: If it were possible, I would learn five languages in a year.
• Remember common phrases:
  • If I were you…
  • If it were up to me…
  • I wish it were easier…

Mini Flowchart for Quick Reference:

Is the situation real/past? → Use “was”

Is the situation imaginary/unreal? → Use “were”

Quiz / Practice Section

Test your understanding with these exercises:

Fill in the blanks:

1. If it ___ possible, I would travel the world.
2. If it ___ raining yesterday, we stayed home.
3. I wish it ___ easier to understand English grammar.
4. If I ___ the CEO, I would improve employee benefits.

Answers with explanation:

1. were → hypothetical scenario
2. was → past factual situation
3. were → wish, unreal situation
4. were → hypothetical scenario

Case Studies and Real-Life Examples

Example 1: Business Email

• Incorrect: If it was possible, we would extend the deadline.
• Correct: If it were possible, we would extend the deadline.

Example 2: Literature

• From Shakespeare: If it were done when ’tis done, then ’twere well it were done quickly.
• Shows formal and poetic use of the subjunctive mood.

Example 3: Daily Conversation

• Casual: If it was raining, we stayed inside.
• Formal: If it were raining, we would consider rescheduling the event.

Conclusion

Choosing between “if it was possible” and “if it were possible” becomes much easier once you understand the purpose behind each phrase. Use “were” when you’re imagining something unreal or unlikely, and use “was” when you’re talking about the past or something that might be true. When you remember this simple idea, the confusion fades and your sentences feel clearer and more natural.

FAQs

1. Is “if it were possible” always correct?

 No. Use it only for imagined or unlikely situations, not real ones.

2. Can I use “if it was possible” in formal writing?

 Yes, as long as you’re talking about a real past situation or something uncertain.

3. Why do people prefer “were” in hypothetical statements?

 Because English uses the subjunctive mood to show imagination, wishes, or unreal situations.

4. Is “if it were” old-fashioned?

Not at all. It’s still standard and widely used in both speech and writing.

5. How can I quickly decide which one to use?

 Ask yourself: Is this real or imagined? Real = was, imagined = were.

Lily Grace