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"Were" is a form of "be", a copular verb which is often translated as "ser". "If I was" is a phrase which is often translated as "si fuera". Learn more about the difference between "were" and "if I was" below.
be(
bi
)A copular verb links the subject of a clause to the predicate (e.g., My brother is tall).
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
An impersonal verb is a verb with no apparent subject (e.g., Llueve en España.).
An auxiliary verb, or helper verb, is a conjugated verb that comes before a main verb and determines the main verb's tense, mood, or aspect (e.g., I have gone.).
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I'm going to the party. - So am I.Voy a la fiesta. - Yo también.
It is a lovely day, isn't it?Es un día precioso, ¿verdad?
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I don't know how much salt is to be added to the sauce.No sé cuánta sal hay que añadir a la salsa.
The assignment is to be done by next Thursday.La tarea tiene que estar para el jueves que viene.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
My baby is due in three months.Mi bebé nacerá dentro de tres meses.
Tomorrow, I'm going to the dentist.Mañana voy al dentista.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Had it not been for his family, he would have never become an artist.Si no fuera por su familia, nunca habría sido artista.
If I were you, I would not go.Yo en tu lugar, no iría.
if I was(
ihf
ay
wuhz
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. si fuera
If I was more handsome, I would ask Sally to go out with me.Si yo fuera más guapo, pediría a Sally que saliera conmigo.
a. si era
When the therapist asked me if I was happy, I didn't know what to say.Cuando el terapeuta me preguntó si era feliz, no supe qué decir.
a. si estaba
My impatient kids called to ask me if I was on my way home.Mis hijos impacientes me llamaron para preguntarme si estaba en camino a casa.
