"Where the poor knave erroneously believes,
If he were rich, he would build churches, or
Do such mad things."——Same.
Were, in these examples, is the same hypothetical present tense just described, having not the least reference to the past.[118] But in conversation, we generally hear was; "if I was in his place;" "if he was here now," &c. and I observe that modern writers are copying the general practice.
"If I was not afraid of being thought to refine too much."—Boling. Refl. on Exile.
Both these forms have such authorities to support them, that neither can be considered as wholly incorrect; they are both English. But custom will eventually establish the latter, was, as the hypothetical form of the substantive verb. It is now almost universally used, except in books; and the tide of general practice is irresistible.
The following examples will illustrate what has been advanced.
Present time. Affirmative.
If he has or is—denotes uncertainty. If he had or were or was—denote certainty that he has not, or is not.
Negative.
If he has not or is not—uncertainty. If he had not, were not or was not—certainty that he has or is.