05/09/2025
✨ HYPOTHETICAL STATEMENTS & RULES OF CONCORD ✨
❌ If I was you, I will take the money.
❌ If he was around, this issue will have been resolved.
When we talk about things that are imaginary, unreal, or contrary to fact, we use hypothetical statements. These often begin with “If” and must follow the rules of Concord (subject-verb agreement).
Many learners make mistakes by using simple past verbs like "was" where "were" should be used in hypotheticals. Also, the wrong helping verb after the condition makes the sentence grammatically faulty.
Here are the correct expressions:
✅ If I were you, I would take the money.
✅ If he were around, this issue would have been resolved.
MORE COMMON MISTAKES & CORRECT FORMS
1. ❌ If she was rich, she will buy a car.
✅ If she were rich, she would buy a car.
2. ❌ If they was serious, they will pass the exam.
✅ If they were serious, they would pass the exam.
3. ❌ If I was taller, I will play basketball.
✅ If I were taller, I would play basketball.
4. ❌ If he was the president, he will change the law.
✅ If he were the president, he would change the law.
5. ❌ If you was patient, things will work out.
✅ If you were patient, things would work out.
6. ❌ If I was at home, I will answer the call.
✅ If I were at home, I would answer the call.
7. ❌ If my friend was here, she will support me.
✅ If my friend were here, she would support me.
8. ❌ If it was possible, I will travel today.
✅ If it were possible, I would travel today.
9. ❌ If I was your teacher, I will punish you.
✅ If I were your teacher, I would punish you.
10. ❌ If he was hardworking, he will succeed.
✅ If he were hardworking, he would succeed.
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✍🏽 QUICK GRAMMAR TIPS
Use “were” (not was) in hypothetical statements after I, he, she, it, they, we, you.
Match helping verbs correctly:
If clause → past tense (were)
Main clause → would / could / might + verb.
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📝 EVALUATION EXERCISE
Correct the following sentences:
1. If she was my sister, I will help her.
2. If I was in Abuja, I will attend the meeting.
3. If he was the leader, he will be fair.
4. If I was you, I will ignore them.
5. If it was easy, we will finish quickly.
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💬 Over to you!
Can you create one correct hypothetical sentence of your own? Drop it in the comments 👇🏽 — let’s see how well you’ve understood this rule!
©️ Teacher CONCORD