Present continuous conditional

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?