Second Conditional Progressive
English grammar materials provided by English4Today.com
Present Continuous Conditional
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!
1. Present continuous conditional - form.
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 | would be | going |
| They | would be | 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
This form is common in Type 2 conditional sentences. 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).
More examples:
- 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.
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)
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