if

   Problems often arise in deciding whether ifis introducing a subjunctive clause ("If I were . . .") or an indicative one ("If I was . . ."). The distinction is straightforward. When if introduces a notion that is hypothetical or improbable or clearly untrue, the verb should be in the subjunctive: "If I were king . . ."; "If he were in your shoes . . ." But when the if is introducing a thought that is true or could well be true, the mood should be indicative: "If I was happy then, I certainly am not now." One small hint: if the sentence contains would or wouldn't, the mood is subjunctive, as in "If I were you, I wouldn't take the job."

   See also subjunctives.