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19 Language Lens: Present Unreal Events

When we talk about events that are wished for, imagined,

or unreal, we often use the if/would structure. Even though we are
talking about the present, the verb in the if clause is put in the past
tense. This form is called the conditional.

Form it like this:
If+ verb in past tense, would+ base form of verb

(or 'd)

Examples:
• If you liked football, I would invite you to the game on Saturday.
The meaning here is that you do NOT like football, so I will not be

inviting you to the game.

• If Ben studied harder, he'd get into Harvard.

In other words: Ben won't get into Harvard because he doesn't
study hard enough.

• If we had a lot of money, we'd buy a vacation home in Vermont.

But we do not have a lot of money. Therefore, we won 't be buying
that vacation home I

When the verb "to be" is in the if clause, use "were" instead of
"was." This is called the subjunctive mood. "If I were you" is
often used to give advice (you are imaging yourself in somebody
else's place or situation). The next time you want to give advice to

someone, remember to say, "If I were you ... " and NOT "If I was
you."

Examples:
• If I were the boss, this office would be a lot more fun.
• If I were you, I'd buy a new suit for the interview.

• If I were you, I'd apply right away for that position.
• If I were you, I'd join Match.com and start dating again.

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