ProfLawETIM
Many Nigerians and other non-native speakers of English sometimes struggle with the correct use of the expression “If I were…”. The confusion usually arises because the verb form does not appear to follow the normal rules of tense in English.
Let us look at a simple illustration using
two hypothetical statements.
Mr Okon is an SS3 Biology teacher who was insulted by one of his students. In response, Okon said to the student:
Statement 1:
“If I were your principal, you would not have insulted me.”
Statement 2:
“If I am your Biology teacher, you wouldn’t have insulted me.”
EXPLANATIONS
Statement 1 expresses a hypothetical or impossible situation. Okon knows that he is not the principal, and it is impossible for him to suddenly become the principal at that very moment. Therefore, he imagines a different reality in which he occupies that position.
In English grammar, such expressions are called the SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD, and they are commonly used to talk about situations that are imaginary, unlikely, or contrary to fact. This is why the verb “were” is used instead of “was.”
Thus I can say:
If I were the principal…
If I were the governor…
If I were President Tinubu…
If Arit were a rich lady, she would have bought a car
If Asuquo were a brilliant student, he would have passed his exams
For example:
Bassey said: “If I were President Bola Tinubu, I would focus more aggressively on educational reform.”
In this sentence, Mr Bassey clearly knows that he is not the president. The statement merely expresses a hypothetical reflection.
What Statement 2 Means
Statement 2 suggests something different. When Okon says:
“If I am your Biology teacher, you wouldn’t have insulted me,”
he implies that he actually is the student’s Biology teacher. The statement is therefore rooted in reality rather than imagination. It is a way of reminding the student of an existing relationship and the respect that should accompany it.
A Simple Rule to Remember:
If + past tense = counterfactual or hypothetical condition
A useful guideline is this:
“If I were…” –> used for imaginary, impossible, or unlikely situations.
“If I am…” –> used when the situation is real or factual.
A FINAL NOTE
English is full of such subtle distinctions, and mastering them adds elegance and precision to our communication. Paying attention to expressions like “If I were…” not only improves grammatical accuracy but also enhances clarity in both writing and speech.
Language, after all, is not merely about words; it is about expressing thought with logic and precision.
Prof. Lawrence Etim is the Emeritus Professor of Fishery Biology and Former Dean, Postgraduates School, University of Uyo.