grammar · neutral
If + subject + were to + V, would + V
Use 'were to' + base verb in the if-clause to express a more unlikely or formal hypothetical; the main clause uses would for the result.
Examples
“If he were to lose his job, he would move back home.”
“If the government were to change the policy, many companies would be affected.”
“If I were to win the scholarship, I would study abroad next year.”
Band 8 sentence
“If the university were to introduce a scholarship scheme, many underprivileged students would benefit.”
Collocations
- were to + base verb
- would + base verb
Common mistakes
If + past simple, would + V (dùng 'had' hoặc 'were' thay 'were to')→If + subject + were to + V, would + V
If he was to lose his job, he would ... (dùng 'was' thay 'were' ở ngữ cảnh formal)→If he were to lose his job, he would ...
Say it for a higher band
5If + past simple, would + V→6If + subject + were + to + V→7+If + subject + were to + V, would + V
Easily confused
If + past simple, would + V
“If I had more time, I would help you.”
Related words
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In Conditionals
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