The Fairy Tale Syndrome

Haven’t you heard about the Fairy Tale Syndrome? It is diagnosed as confusion between using “was” or “were” when contemplating such things as:

1. “If he (was / were) here, I’d give him a kiss.”
2. “If he (was / were) two feet shorter, I’d give him a kiss.” 

The first is possible; he could be here if he felt like it; use “was”. The second is not possible; use “were”. It’s that simple!

NOW, if there is no chance in this world of him being here (#1), inform your reader by using “were” to indicate the impossibility of it all. That’s why I call it the Fairy Tale Syndrome -- not a chance, Cinderella!