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trulyblessed
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Was vs. Were 08 Sep 2005, 00:30
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Can someone please tell me which is correct and why?

1) If only I were smarter
2) If only I was smart

Thanks!



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ywilfred
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Was vs. Were 08 Sep 2005, 04:14
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1) is correct. But I can't recall the exact rule behind it... grammar class was eons ago.. :oops:
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coffeeloverfreak
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Was vs. Were 08 Sep 2005, 07:06
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It's a conditional tense. I can't explain it well in English but I could explain it in French if you want... :-D Funny how much easier it is to learn grammatical rules and structures when you learn a language as a second or third language, isn't it?
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macca
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Was vs. Were 09 Sep 2005, 05:00
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1) If only I were smarter
2) If only I was smart

Nr 1 is correct.
In grammar terms it's called the subjunctive mood.
it's used to talk about unreal things: thing which are desirable or possible.

e.g
If I were you I should stop smoking.



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