Imagining the Present

In the last entry, we saw how to imagine the past using continuous forms of the third conditional. We can alter the second conditional in the same way to imagine an alternative present.

First, let’s review the second conditional. We use this conditional to say that if something happened in the past (which really didn’t happen) there would be a different consequence (instead of what’s happening now). For example: If I studied hard, I would pass the exam. (But the fact is that you usually do not study hard, so you usually fail your exams) As you can see, the second conditional is the opposite of reality. In these cases, the probability that the opposite will happen is very low. (It’s possible to pass the exam, because you guessed the answers correctly or because you cheated. It’s even possible that you change your ways and decide to study, finally.)

The structure of the second conditional is:

if + past simple, would + infinitive.

However, we can alter either half of the second conditional with a continuous tense to create what is called a continuous conditional to talk about an action happening at a particular time or during a period of time in the past.

To imagine a present situation…

We can use the  past continuous in the if half of the second conditional:

If he was cleaning his house, she would be very surprised.

(But you’re at the party because you’re not studying.)

Or we can use would be + gerund in the consequence half of the second conditional:

I would be flying my kite now if it was windy outside. (But it’s not windy, so you’re not flying your kite.)

To review conditionals, check out the entry Conditional Review.