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.