If I Were vs. If I Was (Segundo Condicional)
if I were vai deixar sua fala impecável quando você quiser expressar situações irreais ou hipotéticas. É um truque de mestre!
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'were' instead of 'was' after 'if' to show a situation is imaginary, impossible, or just a dream.
- Use 'were' for all subjects (I, you, he, she, it, we, they) in hypothetical 'if' clauses. Example: 'If I were rich...'
- Use 'would' in the second part of the sentence to show the result. Example: '...I would travel.'
- In casual speech, 'was' is common, but 'were' is the gold standard for exams and formal writing.
Overview
If I were e If I was. No português, a gente usa o Futuro do Subjuntivo ou o Pretérito Imperfeito do Subjuntivo para situações hipotéticas, mas em inglês, o Second Conditional (Segundo Condicional) exige uma estrutura específica que, muitas vezes, confunde a cabeça de quem fala português.Second Conditional cria um universo paralelo, e para manter esse universo funcionando, a gente usa o were para todo mundo. Esse é um conceito fundamental para expressar desejos, conselhos ou situações imaginárias que não são reais agora. Se você quer parar de soar como um iniciante e começar a ter aquele nível de fluência que impressiona, entender essa regra é o seu próximo grande passo.Subjunctive Mood (Modo Subjuntivo). Enquanto no português a gente tem uma conjugação rica e complexa (eu fosse, tu fosses, ele fosse, nós fôssemos, vós fôsseis, eles fossem), o inglês simplificou tudo drasticamente. No entanto, o Second Conditional preserva uma relíquia desse modo: o were como forma única para o passado do verbo to be em frases condicionais.If I were, você está sinalizando para o seu interlocutor: 'Ei, isso que eu vou dizer agora não é verdade, é pura imaginação'. É o que chamamos de hypothetical state. Se você usar If I was, você pode soar como se estivesse falando de algo que realmente aconteceu no passado (indicativo), o que cria uma confusão mental em quem ouve.If I was in Brazil, I would go to the beach, o nativo pode entender que você está falando de uma época em que você estava no Brasil, e não de uma hipótese atual. Já com If I were in Brazil, a mensagem é clara: 'No momento, não estou no Brasil, mas se estivesse, iria à praia'. É tipo quando a gente usa o 'se' seguido do pretérito imperfeito do subjuntivo em português.were para todas as pessoas, o que é, na verdade, muito mais fácil do que as conjugações do português! Sacou? É um recurso de precisão.Second Conditional, a gente usa uma estrutura de duas partes: a condição (o if clause) e o resultado (a main clause). A regra de ouro é: no if clause, usamos o simple past (ou o were para o verbo to be), e na main clause, usamos o would + o verbo na forma base.If + sujeito + were / passado | If I were you, |would + verbo | I would study more. |If I were rich, I would travel the world.(Se eu fosse rico, viajaria o mundo.)If she were here, she would help us.(Se ela estivesse aqui, ela nos ajudaria.)If we were in an Uber, we wouldn't be walking in the rain.(Se estivéssemos em um Uber, não estaríamos andando na chuva.)
I would travel the world if I were rich. O sentido continua o mesmo, mas a vírgula desaparece quando o if vai para o meio.- 1Conselhos: A clássica frase
If I were you, I would...(Se eu fosse você, eu...). É a maneira mais polida e comum de dar um conselho em inglês. É muito melhor do que dizer 'You should do that'. - 2Desejos irreais: Quando você está no trabalho, cansado, e pensa:
If I were on vacation, I would be at the beach right now.Você não está de férias, logo, usa owere. - 3Imaginação pura: Em conversas de bar ou no Instagram, quando alguém pergunta 'E se você ganhasse na loteria?'. Você responde:
If I won the lottery, I would buy a house for my family. - 4Situações hipotéticas de trabalho: 'Se eu fosse o chefe, eu mudaria essa política de home office'. Em inglês:
If I were the boss, I would change the remote work policy.
were funciona como uma bandeira vermelha avisando: 'Atenção, isso é uma hipótese!'.- 1A interferência do português (O erro do 'was'): Como no português a gente conjuga 'se eu fosse', 'se ele fosse', a gente tende a achar que o inglês também precisa de uma conjugação específica. O brasileiro, por L1 interference, acaba usando
If I wasporque soa 'mais natural' para quem não conhece a regra do subjuntivo. Por que acontece? Porque o cérebro brasileiro busca a concordância verbal que temos no português. Lembre-se: em inglês,wereé universal no subjuntivo. - 2Misturar o
willno resultado: O erro clássico de dizerIf I were you, I will do it. Isso acontece porque, no português, a gente pode misturar tempos verbais de forma mais flexível. Em inglês, owouldé obrigatório no resultado para manter a harmonia do tempo hipotético. - 3Uso de
wouldnoif clause: Muitos alunos dizemIf I would be rich.... Isso é um erro grave! Owouldnunca, jamais, entra na parte doif. Ele pertence à parte do resultado. É uma confusão causada pela tradução literal do nosso 'se eu fosse' (que já carrega a ideia de futuro/hipótese).
Second Conditional com o First Conditional, que usamos para coisas possíveis. Veja a diferença:If + presente | will + verbo | Coisa real, possível. |If + passado/were | would + verbo | Coisa imaginária, improvável. |If I have money, I will go to the party.(Eu tenho uma chance real de ter dinheiro, então é possível que eu vá.)If I had money, I would go to the party.(Eu não tenho dinheiro agora, é uma hipótese.)
- 1Posso usar 'If I was' em algum momento? Na fala muito informal e coloquial, alguns nativos usam, mas em provas como TOEFL, IELTS ou em um ambiente de trabalho profissional,
If I wereé a única forma considerada correta e gramaticalmente elegante. - 2O 'were' serve para todos os sujeitos? Sim!
If I were,If he were,If she were,If they were. É muito mais simples que o português, onde temos que lembrar de 'fosse' vs 'fôssemos'. - 3Como eu nego essa estrutura? Basta adicionar o
notaowereou aowould.If I weren't tired, I would go out.ouIf I were you, I wouldn't do that.Simples, né?
Subjunctive 'To Be' (Second Conditional)
| Subject | Subjunctive Form | Example Clause | Result Clause |
|---|---|---|---|
|
I
|
were
|
If I were taller
|
I would play basketball.
|
|
You
|
were
|
If you were here
|
we would have fun.
|
|
He / She / It
|
were
|
If she were rich
|
she would travel.
|
|
We
|
were
|
If we were faster
|
we would win.
|
|
They
|
were
|
If they were kind
|
they would help.
|
Contractions in the Second Conditional
| Full Form | Contraction | Usage |
|---|---|---|
|
If I were not
|
If I weren't
|
Negative condition
|
|
I would
|
I'd
|
Positive result
|
|
She would
|
She'd
|
Positive result
|
|
They would not
|
They wouldn't
|
Negative result
|
Meanings
A specific use of the subjunctive mood to express conditions that are contrary to fact or highly unlikely in the present or future.
Giving Advice
Putting yourself in someone else's shoes to offer a suggestion.
“If I were you, I would take the job.”
“If I were in your position, I'd call him.”
Pure Fantasy
Imagining impossible scenarios or physical changes.
“If I were a bird, I would fly to the moon.”
“If she were taller, she could be a model.”
Formal Requests/Hypotheticals
Discussing business or academic possibilities with a high degree of distance.
“If the manager were here, he would explain the policy.”
“If there were any doubt, we would cancel the project.”
Reference Table
| Sujeito | Condicional (Correto) | Passado Simples (Factual) | Quando Usar |
|---|---|---|---|
|
I
|
If I were...
|
I was...
|
Hypothetical / Unreal
|
|
You
|
If you were...
|
You were...
|
Hypothetical / Unreal
|
|
He / She / It
|
If he/she/it were...
|
He/she/it was...
|
Hypothetical / Unreal
|
|
We
|
If we were...
|
We were...
|
Hypothetical / Unreal
|
|
They
|
If they were...
|
They were...
|
Hypothetical / Unreal
|
|
The team
|
If the team were...
|
The team was...
|
Hypothetical / Unreal
|
Espectro de formalidade
If I were in your position, I would reconsider. (Advice)
If I were you, I'd think about it again. (Advice)
If I was you, I'd think twice. (Advice)
Yo, if I was you, I'd bounce. (Advice)
O Modo Subjuntivo: Mundos Irreais
Casos de Uso Chave
- Desejos I wish I were...
- Hipotéticos If I were...
- Comandos (formais) I demand that he be...
Forma Verbal (Segundo Condicional)
- Were (todos os sujeitos) If I were, If he were, If they were
Oração Principal
- Would + Verbo Base I would travel, She would know
'If I Were' vs. 'If I Was'
Devo usar 'Were' ou 'Was' em cláusulas 'If'?
A situação é real ou factual?
A situação é hipotética, imaginária ou um desejo?
Contextos do Segundo Condicional
Conselho
- • If I were you...
- • O que você faria se...?
Sonhos e Desejos
- • Se ao menos eu fosse...
- • Eu gostaria de ser...
- • Cenários imaginários
Futuros Improváveis
- • Se alienígenas pousassem...
- • Se eu ganhasse na loteria...
- • Eventos altamente improváveis
Resolução de Problemas
- • Se tivéssemos mais tempo...
- • Se o orçamento fosse maior...
- • Desafios hipotéticos
Exemplos por nível
If I were a cat, I would sleep.
If he were happy, he would smile.
If I were you, I would eat.
If it were cold, I would wear a coat.
If I were rich, I would buy a big house.
If she were my sister, I would be happy.
What would you do if you were me?
If they weren't tired, they would play.
If I were you, I would apply for that job immediately.
If the weather were better, we could have a picnic.
I would travel the world if I were a millionaire.
If he were more responsible, he would be the manager.
If it weren't for the traffic, I would be there by now.
If I were in your shoes, I'd reconsider the offer.
What would happen if the sun were to stop shining?
If there were any truth to the rumors, we would know.
Were I to win the lottery, I would donate half to charity.
If he were as smart as he thinks he is, he'd be rich.
It's not as if I were asking for the moon.
If there were to be a change in plans, please notify me.
Were it not for his intervention, the company would have folded.
If the world were but a stage, we would all be mere actors.
She looked at him as though he were some strange specimen.
If there were any justice in the world, this wouldn't happen.
Fácil de confundir
Learners use 'If I am' for things that are impossible.
Learners don't know when 'was' is actually correct.
Erros comuns
If I am you, I go.
If I were you, I would go.
If I was a bird, I would fly.
If I were a bird, I would fly.
If I were rich, I will buy a car.
If I were rich, I would buy a car.
If I was to go, I'd tell you.
If I were to go, I'd tell you.
Padrões de frases
If I were ___, I would ___.
If it weren't for ___, I would ___.
Real World Usage
If you were faced with a difficult client, how would you respond?
If I were you, I'd just tell him the truth.
If there were a way to speed up the process, I would certainly do it.
If I were on a beach right now, I'd be so happy.
If we were to get married, where would we live?
If the earth were flat, gravity would work differently.
Pense em 'Irreal' ou 'Desejo'
If I were rich, I would travel the world.
Evite 'was' em Ambientes Formais
If I were to present, I would prepare thoroughly.
Use 'Were I to...' para Elegância
Were I to win the lottery, I would donate to charity.
Existem Nuances Regionais
Pratique com 'E se...?'
What if I were famous?
Smart Tips
Always start with 'If I were you'. It sounds much more natural and authoritative than 'If I was you'.
Use 'were' to discuss hypothetical budgets or timelines to sound professional.
Check if there is an 'if' clause. If there is, use 'were' for the verb 'to be'.
Try inverting the sentence by starting with 'Were'.
Pronúncia
Contraction of 'would'
In spoken English, 'would' almost always disappears into ''d'.
Hypothetical Rise
If I were rich... (rising) ...I'd buy a boat (falling).
The rising tone on 'rich' signals that the condition is not yet finished.
Memorize
Mnemônico
WERE is for WISHES. Both start with W.
Associação visual
Imagine a giant 'W' made of fluffy clouds. Clouds are like dreams and imagination. When you imagine something, use the 'W' for 'Were'.
Rhyme
If it's a dream and not a fact, use 'were' to keep the rule intact.
Story
Imagine you are a tiny ant. You look at a human and say, 'If I were that big, I would rule the world!' Because you are NOT big, you use 'were'.
Word Web
Desafio
Write down 3 things you would do if you were the opposite gender for one day. Use 'If I were...' in every sentence.
Notas culturais
In casual US speech, 'If I was' is extremely common and rarely corrected in social settings.
British speakers tend to be slightly more formal with the subjunctive in professional settings, though 'was' is still common in dialects.
In legal documents or academic papers, 'If I was' is considered a serious grammatical error.
The subjunctive mood comes from Old English, where verbs had distinct endings for hypothetical statements.
Iniciadores de conversa
If you were an animal, which one would you be?
If you were the president of your country, what is the first law you would change?
If you were to win 10 million dollars tomorrow, would you keep your current job?
Temas para diário
Erros comuns
Test Yourself
If she ___ taller, she would be a great basketball player.
Find and fix the mistake:
If I was you, I would take that job offer.
Translate into English: 'Si él fuera mi hermano, lo ayudaría.'
Answer starts with: ["I...
Choose the correct sentence:
Score: /4
Exercicios praticos
8 exercisesIf he ___ here, he would know what to do.
If I ___ you, I wouldn't buy that car.
Find and fix the mistake:
If I would be rich, I would travel more.
I am not you, so I don't go. -> If...
'If I was' is always grammatically incorrect in every situation.
A: I'm so tired. B: If I ___ you, I'd take a nap.
If I were a millionaire, I'd buy a jet.
1. If I were you... 2. If it were sunny... 3. If she were here...
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesI wish I ___ fluent in Spanish.
If she was a cat, she will sleep all day.
Translate into English: 'Si yo tuviera más dinero, compraría un coche nuevo.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the subjects with the correct form:
Choose the correct sentence:
What would you do if you ___ invisible?
She would travel the world if she was independently wealthy.
Translate into English: 'Si yo fuera tú, no lo haría.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the phrases:
Choose the correct sentence:
Score: /12
Perguntas frequentes (8)
No. It's common in casual speech. However, in formal writing or exams, 'If I were' is the only accepted form for hypothetical situations.
Because it's not the past tense; it's the 'subjunctive mood'. In this mood, the verb 'to be' becomes 'were' for all people.
Yes! This is a more formal way to say 'If I went'. It makes the event sound even more unlikely.
'If I were' is for the present (imagining now). 'If I had been' is for the past (imagining a different past).
Yes, especially in the phrase `If I were you`. In other cases, many native speakers use `was` casually, but `were` remains the standard for educated speech.
In questions, we usually flip the 'would' part: 'Would you help me if I were in trouble?'
No, only the verb 'to be' has a special subjunctive form ('were'). Other verbs just use their normal past tense form (e.g., 'If I *had* more time...').
Similarly to 'if', 'I wish I were' is the formal/correct version, while 'I wish I was' is common in casual speech.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Si yo fuera...
Spanish has a much more robust subjunctive system used in many more contexts than English.
Si j'étais...
French doesn't have a separate 'subjunctive' form for this specific conditional use; it just uses the past tense.
Wenn ich ... wäre
German can also use a 'würde' (would) construction in the if-clause, which is a big 'no-no' in English.
もし私が...だったら (Moshi watashi ga... dattara)
Japanese relies on particles and suffixes rather than verb mood conjugation.
لو كنت (Law kuntu)
Arabic has different particles for 'real' vs 'unreal' conditions, making the distinction very clear.
如果我是...的话 (Rúguǒ wǒ shì... dehuà)
No change to the verb 'shì' (to be) regardless of whether the situation is real or imaginary.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Vídeos relacionados
08:15 Mirror Bacteria Could Destroy All Life As We Know It
09:35 Apple Cider Beef Pot Roast | Food Wishes
05:13 Friendly Pizza, UFOs and the Joy of AI-Generated Video | Matan Cohen Grumi | TED
Learn English Grammar: THE SUBJUNCTIVE – "I wish..."
Adam’s English Lessons · engVid
The Subjunctive in English - Complete Advanced English Grammar Lesson
English with Lucy
Related Grammar Rules
Primeiro Condicional: Unless = If Not
### Visão Geral Em inglês, a conjunção **`unless`** é uma ferramenta poderosa dentro das sentenças condicionais, especi...
Condicional Zero: Hábitos e Rotinas
### Visão Geral O 'Zero Conditional', quando aplicado a hábitos e rotinas, é uma estrutura gramatical que usamos para d...
Can: Expressando Habilidade (Can)
Overview Você consegue dar um mortal para trás? Ou talvez apenas assar um pão de fermentação natural decente? De qualqu...
Condicionais mistos: Ação passada, resultado presente (Type 2)
### Overview Os condicionais mistos (Mixed Conditionals) são uma das ferramentas mais sofisticadas para quem deseja ati...
Suppose & Supposing: O Jogo do 'E Se'
### Overview No nível B2 (Upper-Intermediate), você já domina o básico das condicionais com `if`. Mas, para soar realme...
