Sentence structureB1
Conditionals 1 and 2
Real future conditions (if + present, will) and unreal present ones (if + past, would), incl. If I were you
Learning Goal
I can build real and unreal conditions and give advice with If I were you.
Exam Skills:Preliminary B1 · Writing
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
If the strike continues, we'll work from home tomorrow.
If the strike continues, we'll work from home tomorrow.
If I were you, I wouldn't sign anything before reading page seven.
If I were you, I wouldn't sign anything before reading page seven.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Two ladders, one rule: no will/would of prediction inside the if-clause:
| Type | if-clause | main clause | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (real) | present | will | If it rains, we'll stay in. |
| 2 (unreal now) | past | would | If I had more time, I'd learn Welsh. |
Advice formula: If I were you, I'd take the job (were for all persons). Type 2's past form is unreality, not past time. Polite If you would wait here... and willing If you will help me... are requests, not predictions, and are fine.
Apply this grammar in B1 course exercises
Practice Exercises
- *If it will rain → If it rains
- *If I would have time → If I had time
- If I was you (informal) → exam form If I were you
Common Error Patterns
will inside the if-clause
if + present / past; predictive will/would only in the main clause
Type 2 past read as past time
Past form = unreal now
If the strike continues, we'll work from home tomorrow.
If the strike continues, we'll work from home tomorrow.
Type 1: if + present, will in the result.
If I were you, I wouldn't sign anything before reading page seven.
If I were you, I wouldn't sign anything before reading page seven.
The advice formula with were + would.
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Practice in course
Apply this grammar in B1 course exercises