GRAMMAR
Conditional Progressive
The conditional progressive refers to an imaginary or hypothetical situation that puts emphasis on the course of action.
Form
Would + be + present participle (verb + ing) |
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NOTE: present participle = verb + ing (e.g. playing, writing, driving...)
The modal 'would' can be replaced with could, might and should:
- could be doing
- might be doing
- should be doing
Affirmative
I would be traveling around the world
Interrogative
Would you be watching the match?
Negative
I wouldn't be sleeping all day long?
Use
- Conditional progressive is used for imaginary situations that might take place if the present circulmstances were different.
- It puts emphasis on the course of an action.
- It is used in the main clause of conditional sentences type II.
Examples
- If he had a lot of money, he would be traveling around the world.
- If I were free, I would be watching the movie.
- If the music were better, everybody would be dancing.
- I would be having a good time if I met my friends.
The conditional sentences type II structure is as follows:
If + simple past..., + conditional progressive (would + verb + ing) |
Conditional progressive (would + verb + ing) + if + Simple past |