The Second Conditional- Past Simple or Past Continuous?

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Sharlook
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The Second Conditional- Past Simple or Past Continuous?

Post by Sharlook »

Hello,
Is it correct whether I use past simple or past continuous in the second conditional in these two examples:
1) If we were going by boat, I'd feel much safer
2) If we went by boat, I'd feel much safer.
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Alan
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Re: The Second Conditional- Past Simple or Past Continuous?

Post by Alan »

Yes, with regard to a single (hypothetical) future episode they are interchangeable.
Note, however, that, with regard to a (hypothetical) habitual activity (i.e. If we usually went by boat,...) , only the second would be used.
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