grammar · neutral
If + present simple, would + V
A common incorrect pattern where the present simple appears in the if-clause while 'would' is used in the result clause; for unreal present conditions use past simple in the if-clause.
Examples
“Incorrect: If he goes to university, he would get a better job. (COMMON MISTAKE)”
“Correct: If he went to university, he would get a better job.”
“Incorrect: If she studies more, she would pass the exam.”
Band 8 sentence
“If students practised speaking English for thirty minutes every day, their fluency would improve noticeably.”
Collocations
- If + past simple, would + V (correct form for unreal present)
Common mistakes
If he goes to the interview, he would get the job.→If he went to the interview, he would get the job.
If she studies harder, she would pass the exam.→If she studied harder, she would pass the exam.
Say it for a higher band
5If + present simple, will + V→6If + present simple, can + V→7+If + present simple, would + V
Synonyms
If + past simple, would + V
Easily confused
If + past simple, would + V
“If I knew her number, I would call her.”
Related words
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In Conditionals
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