grammar · academic
If + past simple, would + be + V-ing
Use this to describe a present hypothetical continuing action or situation that would be happening if the condition were true.
Examples
“If I lived closer to the university, I would be studying there now.”
“If we had a research grant, we would be conducting experiments this semester.”
“If she spoke better Spanish, she would be working with the team in Madrid.”
Band 8 sentence
“If the university offered more part‑time research posts, I would be working on a funded project this semester.”
Collocations
- would be + V-ing
- If + past simple
Common mistakes
If I win the scholarship, I would be studying abroad now.→If I won the scholarship, I would be studying abroad now.
If she spoke French, she will be working in Paris.→If she spoke French, she would be working in Paris.
Say it for a higher band
5If + past simple, would + V→6If + past simple, might + V→7+If + past simple, would + be + V-ing
Synonyms
If + past simple, would + V
Easily confused
If + past simple, would + V
“If I won the lottery, I would travel around the world.”
If + past perfect, would have + past participle
“If I had won the lottery, I would have travelled last year.”
Related words
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In Conditionals
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