grammar · neutral
If + past simple, could + V
Use past simple in the if-clause and could in the main clause to talk about present unreal situations that would give ability or possibility.
Examples
“If I had more free time, I could learn a new language.”
“If she spoke French, she could apply for that job.”
“If we lived closer, we could help them more often.”
Band 8 sentence
“If the university offered more part-time modules, students could balance work and study more effectively.”
Collocations
- could + base verb
- past simple in if-clause
Common mistakes
If + past simple, would + V (dùng 'would' mọi lúc)→If + past simple, could + V
If I would have time, I could ...→If I had time, I could ...
Say it for a higher band
5If + past simple, would + V→6If + past simple, might + V→7+If + past simple, could + V
Easily confused
If + past simple, would + V
“If I had more money, I would buy a car.”
Related words
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In Conditionals
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