Why in english we say, "If I were you" not " If I WAS YOU"?

Answer 1

It is an example of the subjunctive mood rather than the indicative. If...were sentences that express a hypothesis rather than a fact use the subjunctive. "If I were you", "If he were here now". It is also used in sentences like "I wish it were over".

There is an excellent example in Macbeth: "If it were done, when 'tis done 'twere well it were done quickly." The subjunctive mood is held consistently through the sentence.

Answer 2

"Was" relates to the past.

One of the uses for "were" is in the situations you've described. The second you bring "if" into the statement English grammar just requires "were" to go with it.

If you go to a location known for lack of education, one thing you will always hear over and over again: "If I WAS you." I don't really think you hear people using it anywhere other than places where low-class or ignorant people hang out. (Just a comment because someone else on here seems to think using bad grammar is just acceptable these days.)

Answer 3

i believe both are possible.

1. someone is telling what they did yesterday (something already done by them), you could reply with "if i was you, heres what i would done"

2. someone is asking your advice on an upcoming situation (hasnt yet occured), you could say "if i were you, heres what i would do"

thats just my opinion on the thing. i think that "was" refers to past tense.

conversely, why do we say (when discussing the old days), "the way things were", and not "the way things was."

interesting.

Answer 4

you can say it both ways and i wouldnt notice the grammatical error....spoken english and written english are somewhat different

Answer 5

If I were is subjuctive due to a conditional statement. If I was is never proper.

Answer 6

if u r more than 18 years,i am sorry---then what u have learnt from your english teacher............
ha ha ha ha

Answer 7

people say it both ways. we have little consideration for grammar, as long as we get our point across.