* Hypothetical situations:
* "If I were a bird, I would fly away." (This is a hypothetical statement, not a factual one)
* "I wish I were taller." (Expressing a wish for something that is not true)
* "It is important that she were on time." (Expressing a desire or requirement)
* Formal or literary contexts:
* "If he were to come, we would welcome him." (Formal language)
* After certain expressions:
* "As if I were a stranger." (Following "as if")
* "It is essential that he were present." (Following "It is essential that")
Important Note: The subjunctive form "were" is used with the singular subject "I," "he," "she," or "it" in these cases. It is not used with plural subjects.
Here's an example to highlight the difference:
* Indicative: "If I was there, I would have seen it." (Describing a factual past event)
* Subjunctive: "If I were there, I would have seen it." (Hypothetical situation)
The indicative form "was" describes a past event, while the subjunctive form "were" describes a hypothetical or imagined situation.