Past Subjunctive

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Note that the indicative form was can be used equally well in sentences of 
this type, but were is sometimes preferred especially in more formal English. 
According to the Random House College Dictionary, "Although the [were] 
subjunctive seems to be disappearing from the speech of many, its proper use 
is still a mark of the educated speaker. When were is used, an inverted form 
without if is possible; this is not possible with was. A common expression 
involving were is if I were you. 
 If she were/was to go... or Were she to go... (equivalent to if she 
went) 
 
The past subjunctive form may be used similarly to express counterfactual 
conditions after suppose, as if, as though, unless, etc. 
 Suppose that I were there now. 
 She looks as though she were going to kill him. 
 
The past subjunctive is also used in some that clauses expressing a wish 
contrary to fact or unlikely to be fulfilled: 
 I wish [that] he were here now. 
 If only the door were unlocked. 
 I would rather [that] she were released. 
 
Some modal auxiliaries have a past subjunctive form. For example, the 
indicative will as in He will come tomorrow has the subjunctive form would as 
in I wish that he would come tomorrow. Likewise, the indicative can as in He 
can do it now has the subjunctive form could as in I wish that he could do it 
now. And the indicative shall as in I shall go there has the subjunctive form 
should as in If I should go there,...."