Using WERE (subjunctive) for all persons in unreal conditionals
Q1. If I ___ you, I would reconsider
WERE is used for all persons in subjunctive. Advice is offered. Decisions await.
Q2. She wishes she ___ taller
WISH + WERE for unreal states. Height is desired. Genetics persist.
Q3. Is WAS ever acceptable in formal conditionals?
Formal English demands WERE. WAS appears in speech. Examiners notice.
Q4. If he ___ here, he would know what to do
WERE expresses unreal presence. Absence is noted. Wisdom is missed.
Q5. I wish it ___ possible to turn back time
WISH + WERE for impossibility. Time flows forward. Longing persists.