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This is everyday grammar.
I'm Alice Bryant, and these days I eat almost all of my meals at home.
So I cook more and I have, ah, lot of leftovers.
Sometimes the leftovers stay in the fridge too long.
This morning, for example, I was reaching for a container of oatmeal when my sister said I wouldn't eat that if I were you.
It's been sitting in the fridge for more than a week.
She was advising that I avoid the food because it was probably spoiled.
There are a few kinds of warnings in English.
Some give direct commands, while others give indirect advice against doing something.
Today we will look at one indirect warning.
I wouldn't if I were you.
That's the one my sister used.
It's a common way to indirectly tell someone not to do something.
Sometimes we shorten the phrase by removing the if clause like this, for example, I wouldn't work there.
I've heard bad things about the place.
Other times in response to someone, we omit the action from the middle of the phrase like this.
I was thinking of going to the beach this weekend.
I wouldn't if I were you.
It'll be crowded.
Now you try it.
Warn someone against doing something, using the phrase I wouldn't if I were you.
I'll go first.
I wouldn't miss the next grammar lesson if I were you, and that's everyday grammar.
