English grammar
Tentative hypothetical conditions: If + were to + infinitive
Float a business idea tentatively with if + were to, and contrast it with if + past simple for states.
From the scene What if we open a café?
In short
If + were to + action floats an idea gently: if we were to rent it, we'd open a café.
Your turn
Which one goes with were for every subject (was is also heard with I/he/she)?
Options: the queue would reach the square · if Marisa were to make the cakes... · if we were to rent it, we'd open a café
Show answer
were for every subject (was is also heard with I/he/she) → if Marisa were to make the cakes...
How it works
Were to after if makes a hypothetical condition sound more tentative than the everyday if + past simple you already know.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
Seriously? So if you (blank) to invest… how much?
Options: would · will · were
Show answer
Seriously? So if you were to invest… how much?
¿En serio? Y si invirtieras... ¿cuánto?
Good to know
If we were to rent it sounds as if you are only floating the idea.
Good to know
It works best with actions (rent, make, invest); with states such as have, need or be, use the plain past simple instead: if I had savings.
Good to know
The main clause still takes would.
floating an idea: if + were to + action if we were to rent it, we'd open a café
Tomás
If we were to rent it, Marisa and I would open a café.
Si lo alquiláramos, Marisa y yo abriríamos un café.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank), Marisa and I would open a café.
Options: If Marisa were to make the cakes · The queue would reach the square · If we were to rent it
Show answer
Tomás
If we were to rent it, Marisa and I would open a café.
Si lo alquiláramos, Marisa y yo abriríamos un café.
were for every subject (was is also heard with I/he/she) if Marisa were to make the cakes...
Nuria
If Marisa were to make the cakes, the queue would reach the square.
Si Marisa hiciera los pasteles, la cola llegaría hasta la plaza.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank), the queue would reach the square.
Options: If we were to rent it · If I had savings, I'd invest · If Marisa were to make the cakes
Show answer
Nuria
If Marisa were to make the cakes, the queue would reach the square.
Si Marisa hiciera los pasteles, la cola llegaría hasta la plaza.
the result clause: would + infinitive the queue would reach the square
Nuria
If Marisa were to make the cakes, the queue would reach the square.
Si Marisa hiciera los pasteles, la cola llegaría hasta la plaza.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
If Marisa were to make the cakes, (blank).
Options: if we were to rent it · if I had savings, I'd invest · the queue would reach the square
Show answer
Nuria
If Marisa were to make the cakes, the queue would reach the square.
Si Marisa hiciera los pasteles, la cola llegaría hasta la plaza.
states (have, need, be): plain past simple if I had savings, I'd invest
Javi
If I had savings, I'd invest right now.
Si yo tuviera ahorros, invertiría ahora mismo.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank) right now.
Options: If we were to rent it · If Marisa were to make the cakes · If I had savings, I'd invest
Show answer
Javi
If I had savings, I'd invest right now.
Si yo tuviera ahorros, invertiría ahora mismo.
someone who puts money into the business with you a business partner
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| floating an idea: if + were to + action | if we were to rent it, we'd open a café |
|---|---|
| were for every subject (was is also heard with I/he/she) | if Marisa were to make the cakes... |
| the result clause: would + infinitive | the queue would reach the square |
| states (have, need, be): plain past simple | if I had savings, I'd invest |
| someone who puts money into the business with you | a business partner |
More lines from the story
- TomásSeriously? So if you were to invest… how much?¿En serio? Y si invirtieras... ¿cuánto?
- TomásCoffee, fruit and cakes. All in the same business.Café, fruta y pasteles. Todo en el mismo negocio.
- TomásWith the baby on the way, it's now or never.Con el bebé en camino, es ahora o nunca.