imagine you were vs imagine you are

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Imagine you were' is used when referring to a hypothetical situation or past events, while 'imagine you are' is used when referring to a current or ongoing situation.

Last updated: April 07, 2024 • 1363 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a hypothetical situation or past events.

"imagine you were"

This phrase is used when asking someone to envision themselves in a different situation or time period, often to explore possibilities or consequences.

Examples:

Imagine you were a bird. Where would you fly?
Imagine you were born in a different country. How would your life be different?

Show examples from the web [+]

Imagine you were afraid and a long way from home and in terrible pain.
Imagine you were a heroin addict.
So, imagine you were a songwriter, okay?
Imagine you were in my position, listening to your story.
I used to imagine you were my girlfriend.
I don't imagine you were talking about the weather.
I cannot imagine you were a dull child.
I imagine you were expecting someone else.
I can't imagine you were too pleased about that.
The only way I could bear your touch was to imagine you were Alejandro.
Alina didn't imagine you were there on the streets.
I can't imagine you were too pleased about that.
I imagine you were in shock having a gun stuck in your face.
Yes , I said, I imagine you were expecting a flagellate to have the flagellum behind, pushing it forward like a motorboat.
I imagine you were capable of giving any medication Bella may have needed in the night.
I imagine you were involved in the... disturbances there?
No, I imagine you were wide awake, sharpening your pencils, or your knives, or whatever.
What did you imagine you were witnessing?
Not before you're 25, which I can't imagine you were planning on, anyway.
You don't appear physically capable of the crime that we're investigating, but I imagine you were in better form when Jim Sullivan was killed.

Alternatives:

Imagine if you were
Imagine yourself as if you were

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a current or ongoing situation.

"imagine you are"

This phrase is used when asking someone to visualize themselves in a particular situation that is happening now or in the near future.

Examples:

Imagine you are on a beach. How does it feel?
Imagine you are a famous actor. What would you do?

Show examples from the web [+]

Imagine you are a tree with roots growing deeper...
Imagine you are a mother in Udaipur District, Rajasthan.
But imagine you are in an unknown place, and there aren't visible indications to identify your position.
Imagine you are sitting down to dinner with your wife and children.
For an hour I'll let you imagine you are free.
For example, if you read a book or watch a film, you can imagine you are the protagonist of the book or film.
Imagine you are that person and take the action necessary to defend those rights.
Imagine you are a space explorer arriving at a distant planet, searching for aliens.
2007-11-13 22:16:19 - Fanning the flames of passion - reconnecting with life Imagine you are a fire.
Imagine you are a first grade teacher, and it's time to go to lunch.
Imagine you are in a maternity ward in Mali, and have a newborn in need of urgent medication.
Imagine you are a new customer and you are offered a 50% Forex deposit bonus for newcomers.
IMAGINE YOU ARE COMPOSED OF TWO PARTS.
Imagine you are at a poker tournament... a very attractive woman comes up to you and starts talking to you.
Imagine you are healthy and strong, and you are ready to fight your enemy - cancer.
He set up the shot against a white background, asked Steve Jobs to lean slightly forward and said to him, "Imagine you are across the table from four or five people who don't agree with you, but you know you are right".
IMAGINE you are one half of a young couple expecting your first child in a fast-growing, poor country. You are part of the new middle class; your income is rising; you want a small family.
In front of a mirror, on whatever calendar, in whatever geography... Imagine you are different from most people.
Imagine you are the mayor of a medium-sized town and have to spend several million euro in public funds - taxpayers' and fee payers' money - on removing the PFOS from drinking-water supplies.
"imagine you are strong, decisive, happy, brave, powerful, radiant, sensual, intuitive, considerate, affectionate, solid as a rock and changeable like the wind... imagine you are winged angels..."

Alternatives:

Imagine if you are
Imagine yourself as if you are

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

imagine you were vs imagine you are

"imagine you were"

"imagine you are"

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text