B1 · Lesson 8 · 20 min
Imagined present and future situations
In this lesson
- I can talk about an imagined present or future situation.
- I can use if + a past form with would or could + a base verb.
Grammar in context
Mina is looking at a small flat near her work. She likes it, but the rent is too high. Her friend Leo says, “If I had more money, I would move there.” Mina replies, “If the flat were cheaper, I could afford it.”
Which verb form comes after if, and which words describe the imagined result?
Imagined situations
Use the second conditional to talk about a situation that is imaginary, unlikely, or not true now. It can also describe a possible future that you do not expect. The if-clause gives the imagined condition; the other clause gives its result. We often use it to give advice, discuss dreams, or imagine changes.
- If I lived nearer the office, I would walk to work.
- If our train left later, we could have dinner at home.
Form: if + past, would/could + base verb
After if, use a past simple form, even when you mean now or the future. In the result clause, use would or could followed by the base verb. Would describes an imagined result; could describes ability or possibility. Do not use would in the if-clause in this pattern.
- If Daniel knew her number, he would call her.
- If we had a car, we could visit the coast more often.
Negatives, questions and were
Make negatives with did not or didn't in the if-clause, and would not or wouldn't in the result clause. Ask questions with What would ... do if ...? With be, were is traditional and especially common in formal English: If I were you. In everyday speech, was is also often heard with I, he, she, and it, but were is the safer choice for imagined situations.
- If the café didn't close early, we would meet there.
- What would you do if you were the manager?
Common mistakes
Compare the incorrect and corrected forms.
Avoid
If I would have more free time, I would learn Italian.
Use
If I had more free time, I would learn Italian.
Use a past form after if, not would.
Avoid
If she were taller, she could reaches the top shelf.
Use
If she were taller, she could reach the top shelf.
Could is followed by the base form reach.
Put it into practice
Try the exercises, write your own examples and check your understanding.