Sentences that begin with “if” tend to be speculative. That is, they guess about what might happen in the present or future or suggest that something was impossible in the past. Such sentences often require specific verbs such as “were.” They do, however, sometimes necessitate the use of “was.”
Generally, sentences that begin with “if” should use the subjunctive “were” when the statement is contrary to fact; it expresses desire; or its subject is I, he, she, it, or a singular noun.
If the theatre were saved, the city’s downtown would benefit.
If she were to go to college, she might get a better-paying job.
If Lincoln were still alive, he might inspire confidence in voters.
Sentences that begin with “if” should only be used with “was” if the statement is not contrary to fact.
If Tim was out of town over the weekend, it’s no surprise he hasn’t heard the news.
If Mrs. Laraby’s cat was at the vet’s, it must be a different cat that was at your back door last night.
Other “if” statements are possible, but they tend to be categorized according to terms of possibility and time. In the present, events that are possible but unlikely use past tense verbs and would, could, or might plus another verb:
If the room mothers told the teacher they couldn’t bring cupcakes for the last day of class, the teacher would not have been upset at having to purchase 144 of them.
For events that are and were impossible in the past, the sentences need past perfect verbs and would, could, or might plus a present perfect tense verb:
If Lincoln had lived longer, he might have helped to stabilize the country.
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