Complete Guide to Using “If I were you, I would + (verb)” in English

The phrase “If I were you, I would” is used to give advice or suggest what you would do in someone else’s situation. It’s a common way to offer recommendations or express conditional actions.

“If I were you, I would” Usage Examples

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation
1	If I were you, I would enjoy my vacation.	अगर मैं तुम्हारी जगह होता, तो मैं अपनी छुट्टियों का आनंद लेता
2	If I were you, I would explain what happened.	अगर मैं तुम्हारी जगह होता, तो मैं क्या हुआ समझाता
3	If I were you, I would continue working until it is done.	अगर मैं तुम्हारी जगह होता, तो मैं काम पूरा होने तक काम करता रहता
4	If I were you, I would book my reservations now.	अगर मैं तुम्हारी जगह होता, तो मैं अभी अपने रिजर्वेशन बुक कर लेता
5	If I were you, I would answer the question.	अगर मैं तुम्हारी जगह होता, तो मैं सवाल का जवाब देता
6	If I were you, I would take that job offer.	अगर मैं तुम्हारी जगह होता, तो मैं वह नौकरी का ऑफर स्वीकार कर लेता
7	If I were you, I would consult a doctor.	अगर मैं तुम्हारी जगह होता, तो मैं डॉक्टर से सलाह लेता
8	If I were you, I would save more money.	अगर मैं तुम्हारी जगह होता, तो मैं और पैसे बचाता
9	If I were you, I would apologize to her.	अगर मैं तुम्हारी जगह होता, तो मैं उससे माफी माँगता
10	If I were you, I would start preparing now.	अगर मैं तुम्हारी जगह होता, तो मैं अभी से तैयारी शुरू कर देता

Past Tense Examples (with ‘would have’)

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation
11	If I were you, I would have enjoyed my vacation.	अगर मैं तुम्हारी जगह होता, तो मैं अपनी छुट्टियों का आनंद ले चुका होता
12	If I were you, I would have explained what happened.	अगर मैं तुम्हारी जगह होता, तो मैं क्या हुआ समझा चुका होता
13	If I were you, I would have continued working until it was done.	अगर मैं तुम्हारी जगह होता, तो मैं काम पूरा होने तक काम करता रहता
14	If I were you, I would have booked my reservations now.	अगर मैं तुम्हारी जगह होता, तो मैं अभी तक अपने रिजर्वेशन बुक कर चुका होता
15	If I were you, I would have answered the question.	अगर मैं तुम्हारी जगह होता, तो मैं सवाल का जवाब दे चुका होता

Alternative Expressions

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation
1	In your place, I would…	तुम्हारी जगह मैं… करता
2	Were I in your shoes, I’d…	अगर मैं तुम्हारी जगह होता, तो…
3	My advice would be to…	मेरी सलाह होगी कि…

Key Grammar Rules

Structure:

• “If I were you, I would” + base verb (V1)
  • ✅ Correct: “If I were you, I would go.”
  • ❌ Incorrect: “If I was you, I would go.” (Common but grammatically incorrect)

Responses:

• Accepting advice: “That’s a good idea, I’ll do that.”
• Rejecting advice: “I see your point, but I think…”

Tense Variations:

• Present advice: “If I were you, I would…”
• Past reflection: “If I had been you, I would have…”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ “If I was you, I would…” (Incorrect subjunctive mood)
✅ “If I were you, I would…”

❌ “If I were you, I will…” (Wrong modal verb)
✅ “If I were you, I would…”

❌ “If I were you, I would to go.” (Extra “to”)
✅ “If I were you, I would go.”

Cultural Usage Notes

Conversation Style:

• Common in friendly advice and professional suggestions

Indian Context:

• Often softened with “भाई” (bhai) or “जी” (ji) for politeness (“If I were you bhai, I would…”)
• Informal versions: “मैं होता तो…” (main hota to…)

Professional Use:

• More formal alternative: “My recommendation would be to…”