Form
In type 2 conditional sentences, the continuous form of the present conditional may be used.
| If clause (condition) | Main clause (result) |
|---|---|
| If + simple past | present continuous conditional |
| If this thing happened | that thing would be happening. |
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.
Examples
- I would be working in Italy if I spoke Italian. (But I don't speak Italian, so I am not working in Italy)
- She wouldn't be living with Jack if she lived with her parents. (But she is living with Jack and not with her parents).
- You wouldn't be smiling if you knew the truth. (But you are smiling because you don't know the truth.)
The present continuous conditional tense
The present continuous conditional tense of any verb is composed of three elements:
would + be + present participle
The present participle is formed by taking the base form of the verb and adding the -ing ending.
| Subject | + would | + be | + present participle |
|---|---|---|---|
| He | would | be | staying |
| They | would | be | going |
To Live: present continuous conditional
| Affirmative | Negative | Interrogative | Interrogative negative |
|---|---|---|---|
| I would be living | I wouldn't be living | Would I be living? | Wouldn't I be living? |
| You would be living | You wouldn't be living | Would you be living? | Wouldn't you be living? |
| He would be living | He wouldn't be living | Would he be living? | Wouldn't he be living? |
| She would be living | She wouldn't be living | Would she be living? | Wouldn't she be living? |
| We would be living | We wouldn't be living | Would we be living? | Wouldn't we be living? |
| They would be living | They wouldn't be living | Would they be living? | Wouldn't they be living? |