"If it was me" vs. "If it were me"

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Here is a grammar point that is finally being explained or even accepted in junior and senior high school textbooks in Japan. Below, ChatGPT helps clear things up. In English education here, students have primarily been taught "if it were me" is correct usage, and teachers would often mark "if it was me" as incorrect on exams. Coming from California, I always thought it was fine for "people" in conversation to use either, actually preferring "if it was me", personally. It just never seemed "off". Finally, one of my students used "persons" instead of "people", and I demonstrated how and when I would use it, followed by a simple explanation using ChatGPT.

You said:

Can you explain "if it was me" versus "if it were me"?

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

The phrases "if it was me" and "if it were me" differ in their grammatical correctness and usage.

1. "If it was me": This is often used in informal speech, but it's technically incorrect when dealing with hypothetical or contrary-to-fact situations.

2. "If it were me": This is the grammatically correct form to use in hypothetical situations or when discussing something that isn't true or is unlikely. This usage is known as the subjunctive mood.

Example:

• Correct: "If it were me, I would apologize."

• Informal: "If it was me, I would apologize."

In formal writing or speech, "if it were me" is preferred, while "if it was me" might be more commonly heard in everyday conversation, despite being less precise.

...

You said:

How do you use "off" in English? For example, after a word, at the end of a word.

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

The word "off" in English can be used in various ways depending on the context. Here are some common uses:

1. As a Preposition:

• Separation or Removal: Indicates something is separated or removed from a position.

  • "Take your shoes off."

  • "She fell off the bike."

• Disconnection: Refers to something being turned off or disconnected.

  • "Turn off the lights."

  • "The TV is off."

• Distance or Position: Indicates a position away from something.

  • "The house is just off the main road."

  • "He lives two miles off the coast."

2. As an Adjective:

• Not Working or Available: Refers to something that is not operating or available.

  • "The machine is off today."

  • "The milk smells off."

• Cancelled or Postponed: Indicates that an event or arrangement has been cancelled or postponed.

  • "The meeting is off."

3. As an Adverb:

• To Leave or Go Away: Indicates departure or movement away.

  • "He walked off without saying goodbye."

• Reduction or Lowering: Indicates a decrease in price or amount.

  • "All items are 20% off."

4. As a Part of Phrasal Verbs:

• "Break off," "call off," "drop off," etc.: Used in many phrasal verbs to alter the meaning of the verb.

  • "She called off the wedding."

  • "He dropped off the package."

5. At the End of a Word (As a Suffix):

• While "off" itself isn't commonly used as a suffix, it can appear at the end of compound words or phrases.

  • "Turnoff" (meaning a point where you leave a main road).

6. Idiomatic Expressions:

• "Off the hook": Free from obligation or trouble.

  • "You're off the hook this time."

• "Off the cuff": Spontaneous or without preparation.

  • "She made an off-the-cuff remark."

"Off" is versatile and can function differently depending on how it's used in a sentence.

4o

You said:

When is persons used versus people?

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

The distinction between "persons" and "people" can be subtle, but here’s how they are typically used:

People

• General Usage: "People" is the most common plural form of "person" and is used in almost all situations to refer to more than one individual.

  • "There were ten people at the meeting."

  • "People often forget their keys."

Persons

• Formal or Legal Contexts: "Persons" is often used in legal, formal, or technical contexts where precision is required.

  • "The notice is intended for all persons involved."

  • "No persons under 18 are allowed."

• Historical or Archaic Usage: In older or more formal English, "persons" was more commonly used, but over time, "people" has become the preferred term in everyday language.

Key Differences

• Usage Frequency: "People" is far more common in everyday language and is considered the standard plural of "person."

• Formality: "Persons" tends to be more formal and is primarily used in legal or official contexts.

Special Note:

• Collective vs. Individual Focus: "People" often refers to a group collectively, while "persons" might emphasize individuals within a group.

  • "People are waiting outside." (focus on the group)

  • "Several persons have filed complaints." (focus on individual members of the group)

In summary, "people" is the go-to plural for most situations, while "persons" is reserved for specific, often formal, contexts.

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