"If I was" vs "If I were"

[Edison_Chen_e_c]

I'm a English learner, and the teacher in my school always says that we MUST use "were" whatever the subject is.

If I were a bird, I would fly. (She says it's correct.)
If I was a bird, I would fly. (She says it's not good.)

BUT, last time I found a book from Oxford Express, and in the book it says: "Usaully either can be used." Still example: If Peter was/were......

So what exactly is the difference between the two usage? Thanks very much.

[Proalyssa199]

Hi edison,
In standard or written English, "were" is often used, while "was" is used in new and spoken English

[Alan]

H,

The use of 'were' in the sentence is technically subjunctive in function. This form is gradually dying out and is often replaced with 'was'. You could, if you like read the piece I've written on the subjunctive fir this site:

Subjunctive
http://www.english-test.net/lessons/15/index.html

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Phrasal Verbs/run

[Edison_Chen_e_c]

Thanks. ^_^