Usage of the construction "it were"

[Jaylhw1]

i have seen a lot of sentences, using "it were" as a part in the whole sentence. Is "it were" a correct formation? thanks

[Rafaelinrio]

hey

what is the whole sentences? If you have an "If Clause" this construction is possible, like for example: If it were sunny it would be better. IN this case you have the subjunctive and this form is accepeted. It is also accepeted when you say

"I wish today were Sunday"
But in the other uses It was is the correct form.

[Jaylhw1]

how about replace the "were" with "was" in your example sentences. "it" is singular right, then how come it can be matched with "were" for plural, please explain more about the usage of "it were"

[Hyder12]

Sorry guys can you explain more for me

[Rafaelinrio]

guys...this is grammar rule....there's no explanition why we use were in if clauses..it's one of those things that is because it is.

Examples:

If I were rich I could buy a big house.
If you were smarter you'd take my advice.
If he were more dedicated he would be promoted.
If it were sunny we could go to the beach.
If she were married she might be a different woman.
If we were friends we could help each other.

It's so hot today, I wish I were at the beach.
Sarah is such a rude girl, I wish she were more polite.

You see the use? There's no rule to which we use this construction, of course in spoken language many times we use was instead of were in these constructions when we refer to I, he, she and It. However, in written language we go for the were form.