Which is correct in condition sentence type 2?
"If he WERE rich, he would help poorer people"
"If he WAS rich, he would help poorer people"

Can you explain me which is the correct sentence?

Question

Which is correct in condition sentence type 2?
"If he WERE rich, he would help poorer people"
"If he WAS rich, he would help poorer people"

Can you explain me which is the correct sentence?

Answer

Strictly speaking, you should use the subjunctive 'were' for all persons, including 'I' and he/she/it. So the first is technically more correct.

Fifty years ago, an English examiner would have marked the second sentence wrong. This is no longer the case, and it is now considered acceptable to say 'If he was rich.'

So the answer is 'Both' ... even though one is technically 'more correct' than the other.

Answer

This is similar to "If I were you".  I am not you, and I cannot be you.  This clause refers to an unreal situation and requires subjunctive mood, which always uses a plural verb.  Su.Ki's answer is a good one.

Answers · 4

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