grammar · neutral
If + subject + were + adj, would + V
Second conditional: used for unreal or unlikely present situations; 'were' is used (formal subjunctive) for all subjects, main clause uses 'would + base verb'.
Examples
“If I were taller, I would play basketball professionally.”
“If she were the manager, decisions would be faster.”
“If we were more organised, we would waste less time.”
Band 8 sentence
“If urban planners were to prioritise green spaces, city life would become both healthier and more livable.”
Collocations
- were + adjective
- would + base verb
Common mistakes
If I was rich, I would travel more.→If I were rich, I would travel more.
If he were here now, he will help us.→If he were here now, he would help us.
Say it for a higher band
5If + past simple, would + V→6If + subject + was + adj, would + V→7+If + subject + were + adj, would + V
Easily confused
If + past simple, would + V
“If I had more time, I would travel more.”
Related words
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In Conditionals
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