1. Present continuous conditional - form
In type 2 conditional sentences, the continuous form of the present conditional may be used:
- If I were a millionaire, I wouldn't be doing this job!
This form is composed of two elements: the present conditional of the verb 'to be' (would be) + the present participle of the main verb (base+ing).
Subject |
would be |
base+ing |
He
They |
would be
would be |
going
living |
Affirmative |
We
|
would be
|
coming
|
Negative |
You
|
wouldn't be
|
working
|
Interrogative |
Would
|
you be
|
sharing?
|
Interrogative negative |
Wouldn't
|
they be
|
playing?
|
Example: to live, Present continuous conditional.
Affirmative |
Negative |
Interrogative |
I would be living
|
I wouldn't be living
|
Would I be living?
|
You would be living
|
You wouldn't be living
|
Would you be living?
|
He would be living
|
She wouldn't be living
|
Would he be living?
|
We would be living
|
We wouldn't be living
|
Would we be living?
|
You would be living
|
You wouldn't be living
|
Would you be living?
|
They would be living
|
They wouldn't be living
|
Would they be living?
|
2. Present continuous conditional - function
It expresses an unfinished or continuing action or situation, which is the probable result of an unreal condition:
- I would be working in Italy if I spoke Italian.
(but I don't speak Italian, so I am not working in Italy.
- She would be living with Jack if she wasn't living with her parents.
(but she is living with her parents so she's not living with Jack).
- I wouldn't be eating this if I wasn't extremely hungry.
- If I had an exam tomorrow, I'd be revising now.
- You wouldn't be smiling if you knew the truth.
- If I were in Hawaii, I would be lying on the beach.
- If my grandfather were here, he would be talking about the war.
- I would be rafting down the Colorado River right now if my leg weren't broken.
NOTE: This form is also found in: mixed conditional sentences (See section on Mixed Conditional Sentences); in indirect speech:
She said "I'll be working in the garden." => She said she would be working in the garden. (See section on Indirect Speech)
Present Unreal Conditional + Continuous
FORM
If-clause: [were + present participle]
Result: [would be + present participle]
USE
Present Unreal Conditional + Continuous is used to discuss imaginary situations which could be happening at this very moment.
Examples in the if-clause:
- If the sun were shining, I would go to the beach.
- If Sam were sitting here, we would be able to ask him the question ourselves.
- We would be able to go sailing if the wind were blowing.