EnglishFeelings and imagined situations
- anxious [/ˈæŋkʃəs/]
- worried or nervous
If I weren't so anxious, I would speak more confidently in public. - confident [/ˈkɒnfɪdənt/]
- sure that you can do something well
If she were more confident, she would share her ideas. - insecure [/ˌɪnsɪˈkjʊə/]
- not feeling confident or safe in yourself
If he felt less insecure, he would trust his partner more. - jealous [/ˈdʒeləs/]
- unhappy because someone gives attention to another person
If I weren't jealous, I would feel calmer. - upset [/ʌpˈset/]
- unhappy, worried, or disappointed
If they talked honestly, she might not feel so upset. - relieved [/rɪˈliːvd/]
- happy because a worry has ended
If I knew the truth, I would feel relieved. - embarrassed [/ɪmˈbærəst/]
- feeling uncomfortable because of a mistake or awkward situation
If I made that mistake, I would feel embarrassed. - lonely [/ˈləʊnli/]
- sad because you are alone or do not feel connected to others
If I lived nearer to my friends, I would feel less lonely. - trust [/trʌst/]
- belief that someone is honest and reliable
If they trusted each other, they could solve the problem. - boundaries [/ˈbaʊndəriz/]
- limits that protect your needs in a relationship
If we had clearer boundaries, we would argue less. - apologise [/əˈpɒlədʒaɪz/]
- say sorry for doing something wrong
If I were you, I would apologise. - supportive [/səˈpɔːtɪv/]
- helpful, caring, and encouraging
If my friends were more supportive, I would feel stronger.
If I weren't so anxious, I would speak more confidently in public.
Say which feeling you have experienced. Then complete one new sentence:
If I were less __________, I would __________.
Imagined situation | Result |
|---|---|
if + Past Simple | would + infinitive |
If I were less anxious | I would speak more confidently |
Real possibilities and imagined outcomes
Choose the best form. First decide: is the situation real/possible, or imagined/unlikely?
Situation | If-clause | Result clause |
|---|---|---|
Real or possible future | Present Simple | will + infinitive |
Imagined or unlikely present/future | Past Simple | would / could / might + infinitive |
If Mia [___] more time tonight, she will call her sister.
If I [___] you, I would apologise.
If they talked honestly, they [___] solve the problem.
Now type the missing verb form. Use the word in brackets.
If he [___] so jealous, he would feel calmer.
If we [___] the train tomorrow, we will arrive on time.
If I could change one thing, I [___] more patient.
If she [___] to work late today, she might meet us later.
If you [___] him again, he will probably feel upset.
Advice for a worried reader
Relationship Advice
Dear Maya,
I feel anxious whenever my partner, Leo, goes out with his friends. I know he cares about me, but I imagine that he will meet someone else. Last week, I read his messages while he was asleep, and now he is upset. What should I do?
—Worried
Dear Worried,
If I were you, I would apologise honestly and explain your fear. I would not check Leo’s phone again; it could damage trust. If you talked calmly, he might understand why you felt insecure. You could agree on a simple plan: Leo sends one message when he gets home. However, if Leo continues to hide things, you will need to discuss clearer boundaries. A healthy relationship needs trust, space, and honest conversation.
- What does the adviser tell Worried to do after reading Leo’s messages?
- Which pieces of advice use would, could, and might?
- Which sentence describes a real possible future situation?
Difficult words
- partner — a person you are in a romantic relationship with
- imagine — form a picture or idea in your mind
- damage trust — make trust weaker
- insecure — not feeling confident or safe
- agree on — make the same decision about something
- boundaries — limits that protect people’s needs and feelings
- hide things — keep information secret
Your imagined life
Write one connected paragraph of 50–90 words about three imagined situations involving emotions, relationships, or daily life.
Include at least two words from the shared board.
Useful starters:
- If I were __________, I would __________.
- If I could __________, I would __________.
- If I didn’t have to __________, I might __________.
- I would feel more __________ if __________.
- My relationships would be more __________ if __________.
Check before you finish:
- Past Simple after if
- Bare infinitive after would, could, and might
- At least two emotion or relationship words
