Which is true, the 1st or 2nd?

Question

- If it "weren't" for John I never would've met Sam.
- If it "wasn't" for John I never would've met Sam.
Is it "weren't" or "wasn't", and why?
Is there a comma between 'John' and 'I'?

We use "were" when something can't be true.
For example: I'm a girl, I wouldn't say "If I was a boy", I would say "If I were a boy".
Is this the same with my other sentence, with John and Sam?

Answer 1

Actually I think either could be used and would be considered correct, but the first sounds a little more "sophisticated" maybe? However, I would say, "If it "weren't" for John, I would never have met Sam."

I would keep the comma, but again, it probably isn't absolutely necessary, because you can understand the sentence without it.

Answer 2

I think that the sentence "If it wasn't for John I never would've met Sam" is correct. It's tricky, but when you reword the sentence, you can also say as an answer, " It was John" or " It wasn't John." You cannot say " It were John". There is a comma between John and I because the word "if" is the start of a prepositional phrase.

Answer 3

"If it wasn't for John, I never would've met Sam" is correct. The subject should always agree with the verb whether in person or in number. In this sentence the subject "it" is singular therefore the linking verb "was" should be used.

Putting a comma between John and I is essential. "If it wasn't for John" is an adverb clause. If an adverb clause is placed at the beginning of the sentence, it is set off by a comma.

Answer 4

i think the second one is correct..and yah it needs a comma..

If it wasn't John, I never would've met Sam

Answer 5

If it wasn't for John, I never would've met Sam.

It was, not
it were.

I think of was as singular, were as plural.

, between John and I, although not mandatory, because the phrase is 5 words or less.

Answer 6

If it had not been for John I would never have met Sam.

Answer 7

Here's the ANSWER: Disengage the contraction.
If it were not for John, .......(just sounds better and is correct
grammatically)
If it was not for John,........(no pizazz, though ok gram'y)

Comma both cases. Also, 'Were it not for John vs.
'Was it not for John (which is hopelessly pitiful)

Answer 8

The 2nd, since wasn't refers to a single entity whereas weren't refers to a plural entity (more than one person).

I'd put a comma between "John" and "I", but I'm not sure what the grammar police would say on that one.

Answer 9

If it weren't for John is correct and no comma is needed. By using "IF" you are employing the subjunctive mood...denotes doubt etc....therefore the tense of "were" is required.

Answer 10

No !!... If it were'nt for John I never would've met Sam!?! ...