were: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

In formal, standard English, 'If I were you' is correct for the hypothetical subjunctive. 'If I was you' is common in very informal speech but is considered non-standard by many grammarians and in writing.

'Was' is the past indicative of 'be' for first and third person singular (I, he, she, it). 'Were' is the past indicative for second person singular and all plurals (you, we, they), and it is also the form used for all persons in the past subjunctive mood (e.g., if I were, if he were).

Yes, but only in the subjunctive mood to express a hypothetical or unreal condition (e.g., 'If she were more experienced...', 'I wish he were here.'). In the standard past indicative, use 'was' with singular subjects (I, he, she, it).

In many dialects of English, especially in informal spoken contexts, the distinction between the indicative 'was' and the subjunctive 'were' is disappearing. This is a common feature of language change. However, the distinction is still maintained in formal writing and standardised tests.

Second person singular past, first person plural past, second person plural past, and third person plural past of the verb 'be'.

Were is usually universal (used in all registers from formal to informal) in register.

Were: in British English it is pronounced /wə(r)/ (weak form), /wɜː(r)/ (strong form), and in American English it is pronounced /wər/ (weak form), /wɝː/ (strong form). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.