CONDITIONALS / WISHES / UNREAL PAST
CONDITIONALS
If-clause(hypothesis) Main clause (result clause) Use
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TYPE 1
real present if + any present form Future/imperative True or likely to
(Present S., Present Cont. can/may/might/should happen in the
or Present Perfect ) + bare inf / Present Simple present or
future
If the weather is nice, we will go on an excursion.
If you have done your homework, you can watch TV.
If you have a headache, take an aspirin.
TYPE 2 if + Past Simple would/could/might + untrue in the
or Past Continuous bare infinitive present; also
used to give
advice
If I were you, I wouldn't speak to him again. (advice)
If he didn't eat so many sweets, he wouldn't have a problem with his teeth.
(but he eats a lot of sweets - untrue in the present)
TYPE 3 if + Past Perfect or would/could/might + imaginary
Past Perfect Contin. have + past participle situation
contrary to
in the past; also
used to express
regrets or criticism
If she had known how to use the mixer, she wouldn't have broken it.
!!!!When the if-clause precedes the result clause, we separate the two clauses with a comma.
!!!!Conditionals are usually introduced by “IF”. Other expressions are : UNLESS (=IF NOT), PROVIDING, PROVIDED (THAT), AS LONG AS, IN CASE, ON CONDITION (THAT), , BUT FOR + -ING FORM/NOUN, OTHERWISE, OR ELSE, WHAT IF, SUPPOSING, EVEN IF, ONLY IF
!!!!! We do not normally use `WILL', `WOULD' or `SHOULD' in the `if-clause'.
However, WILL, WOULD or SHOULD can be used in `if-clauses' to make A REQUEST, or express ANNOYANCE/ DOUBT/ UNCERTAINTY or INSISTENCE
“If he should come, how him in.”
“If you will/would be more patient, I'll be with you in a minute.” (request - Will you please be more patient ?)
OMISSION OF “IF”
“IF” can be omitted in `if-clauses'. In this case SHOULD, WERE and HAD (Past Perfect) come before the subject.
If he should win the race, he will be very happy
Should he win the race, he'll be very ahppy.
If I were you, I wouldn't tell him.
Were I you, I wouldn't tell him.
If I had known the truth, I'd have called the police.
Had I known the truth, I'd have called the police.
MIXED CONDITIONALS
All types of conditionals can be mixed. Any tense combination is possible if the context permits it.
If-clause Main clause
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Type 2 If they were working all day, they will be tired now. TYPE 1
(They were working all day so they are tired now.)
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Type 2 If I were you, I would have accepted the job. TYPE 3
(You are not me so you didn't accept the job.)
If he were a better driver, he wouldn't have crashed the car.
(He is not a good driver so he crashed the car.)
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TYPE 3 If she had finished earlier she would be going to the party tonight. TYPE 2
(She didn't finish earlier so she isn't going to the party.)
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I. Put the verbs in brackets into correct tense, then identify the types of conditionals.
1. If you ………………………….(not/put up) this shelf, you won't have anywhere to put your books.
2. If he ………………….(change) jobs, he would be a lot happier.
3. If I were you, I ………………………………(tell) her how you feel.
4. If you continue to shout so badly, you ………………………(wake up) the baby.
5. Even if he ……………………..(ask) them, they wouldn't have agreed to come.
6. Unless you ……………………..(feel) better, you can take the rest of the day off.
7. If she ……………………….(not / threaten) him, he wouldn't have left.
8. I ……………………………(not / trust) him if I were you.
9. If you're patient for a few minutes, I …………………….(be able) to finish this.
10. He ………………………(not / go) with her if he had known she would behave so irresponsibly.
11. I wouldn't have been able to do it unless she ………………………(help) me.
12. Sometimes if you ……………………….(take) a chance, it pays off.
13. If he ………………………(wake up) earlier, he wouldn't have been late for work.
14. If they will go on making so much noise, I ……………………..(have to) punish them.
15. If we …………………..(intend) to spend the day in London, we would have bought a day pass.
16. Keep your voice down in case he …………………..(overhear) us.
17. If she ……………………(be) more experienced, she would be more likely to get the job.
18. If the food ……………………………(not / be) so bad, we wouldn't have complained.
19. Sales will increase provided that the advertising campaign ………………..(be) successful.
20. If you ……………………….(spend) less on clothes, you would be able to save some money.
II. Rewrite the following sentences as conditional sentences.
1. You need to go to Egypt to see the Sphinx.
If …………………………………………………………… .
2. John didn't leave early so he didn't get there on time.
If ……………………………………………………………. .
3. She used factor 12 suntan lotion as gets sunburnt easily.
If ……………………………………………………………… .
4. The fax machine is broken so I'll have to send it by post.
If ……………………………………………………………… .
5. There'll be election if the president resigns.
Providing …………………………………………………… .
6. Calling her might make her feel better.
If …………………………………………………………. .
7. More tickets need to be sold, otherwise the concert will be cancelled.
If ……………………………………………………………………..
8. You will have trouble selling the house if you're not prepared to accept a lower offer.
Unless ………………………………………………………………..
9. He cancelled his trip because he had run out of money.
If ………………………………………………………………
10. Tom didn't wear a coat and caught a cold.
If ………………………………………………………………
11. You need to study to pass this exam.
Unless ………………………………………………………….
12. You really ought to go somewhere sunnier to get a suntan.
Unless …………………………………………………………….
III. Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tense.
1. If I ………………(be) you, I ………………………..(not/listen) to his lies.
2. If he …………………(not/eat) that sandwich, he would not have suffered from food poisoning.
3. Father Christmas won't come unless you ……………..(be) a good little girl.
4. As long as you ……………………..(do) your best, no one will criticise you.
5. He put the answer phone on in case anyone …………………(want) to leave a message.
6. Supposing we ………………………..(be/stop) by the police, what …………………..(we/say)?
7. If you …………………………(tell) me you were cold, I ……………………………(put) the fire on.
8. What …………………………………….(we/do) if John hadn't helped us?
9. If she were rich, she …………………………….(not/have to) work.
10. Go and see a doctor in case you ……………………..(have) a serious illness.
11. You won't understand this useless you …………………….(pay) attention.
12. What ……………………..(you/give) me if I ……………………..(keep) your secret?
13. Even if he ……………………….(beg), I would not help him.
14. If this case ………………………..(go) to trial, it will cause a national outcry.
15. Supposing no one …………………………….(kill) President Kennedy, …………………………(things/be) different now?
IV. Finish the following sentences without changing the meaning of the sentences printed before them.
1. If you should change your mind, just call us.
Should …………………………………………….
2. Had you informed me earlier, I could have changed my plans.
If ………………………………………………………………..
3. If I were you, I'd cut down on smoking.
Were ……………………………….
V. Write the following conditionals for the following sentences.
1. I might have missed my flight. I would be very upset now.
…………………………………………………………………
2. He has made a lot of enemies. He is lonely now.
…………………………………………………………………
3. You are cold. Why didn't you bring a pullover with you?
………………………………………………………………..
4. She can't be interested. She would have got in touch by now.
…………………………………………………………………
5. He has lost his ticket. He won't be allowed to enter the theatre.
………………………………………………………………..
6. They didn't catch the thief. Otherwise he would be in prison now.
………………………………………………………………………
7. He must smoke. He asked for an ashtray.
………………………………………………………………….
8. She isn't trustworthy. She would never have revealed your secret.
………………………………………………………………….
9. They didn't ban the use of cars. There is a lot of pollution.
………………………………………………………………
10. Aren't you certain? Why did you commit yourself then?
………………………………………………………………
11. My mother loves Frank Sinatra. She bought all his records.
……………………………………………………………..
12. She isn't optimistic. She expected the worst.
……………………………………………………………………..
VI. Complete the sentences using the words in capitals. Use two to five words.
1. I would have lent you my car but I didn't know you needed to borrow it. HAD
If …………………………………….needed to borrow my car, I would have lent it to you.
2. As long as you are very careful, you can use my CD player. PROVIDED
You can use my CD player ……………………………………………very careful.
3. If there isn't an interpreter at the conference, she won't be able to understand the speakers. UNLESS
She won't be able to understand the speakers …………………………………..at the conference.
4. He didn't get the job because he was late for the interview. WOULD
If he hadn't been late for the interview, he ……………………………………job.
5. I only learnt to drive because you taught me. NEVER
I …………………………………………drive if you hadn't taught me.
6. You'd better see a doctor. WERE
If ………………………………………..see a doctor.
7. Tim will be able to operate the machine but somebody must show him how. ONLY
Tim will be able to operate the machine ……………………………………….how.
8. She didn't take an umbrella so she got completely soaked. HAVE
If she had taken an umbrella, she ……………………………………soaked.
9. I will buy a new car but I must save enough money first. SAVE
Provided ……………………………………….first, I will buy a new car.
10. She broke her leg so she couldn't go skiing. BROKEN
If ……………………………………….leg, she could have gone skiing.
11. Kay can't be at home, otherwise she would have answered the phone. WOULD
If Kay …………………………………….have answered the phone
12. I would be grateful to receive any information you may have. COULD
I would be grateful ……………………………………….any information you may have.
13. Karen can make the pie but she must have the recipe. LONG
Karen can make the pie ……………………………………..the recipe.
14. If you see Miles, can you ask him to contact me immediately? SEE
Should ………………………………..ask him to contact me immediately?
15. Chris wants to phone his boss but he hasn't got the number. WOULD
If Chris ……………………………………………………….phone his boss.
WISHES
I wish (if only) + Past tense wish/ regret about a present
(wish/regret about the situation we want to be different
present)
I wish we were in Paris now. (It's a pity we aren't)
I wish I could swim. (but I can't)
I wish I lived in England. (but I don't)
I wish I didn't live in Poland. (but I do)
I wish (if only) + Past Perfect regret that something happened
(regret about the past) or didn't happen in the past
I wish you had told me earlier. (but you didn't)
I wish you hadn't told her about it. (but you did)
I wish (if only) + subject + would + wish for a future change unlikely
(impossible wish for bare infinitive to happen or wish to express
a future change) a. “wish” and “would” dissatisfaction; polite request
should have a different implying dissatisfaction or lack
subject. We never say: of hope.
“I wish I would.'
“He wishes he would etc”
b. wish + inanimate subject+
would is used to express the
speaker's lack of hope or
disappointment.
I wish he would stop smoking.(But I don't think he will - unlikely to happen)
I wish students would pay more attention. (dissatisfaction)
I wish the wind would stop blowing. (but I'm afraid it won't stop - wish
implying disappointment)
I wish you would be more careful. (Please be more careful - request implying
lack of hope)
EXERCISE 1
Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tense.
Dear Mum,
I feel really unhappy! I wish (1) ……………………….(not/take) this job. If only I (2) ……………………………(give) it more thought before I made the decision to come here. I wish the people here (3) ……………………..(be) more friendly - that would make it much better. If only I (4) ……………………(have) longer breaks. Looking at a computer screen all day is tiring and sometimes I find myself wishing it (5) …………………….(explode)! I wish my boss (6) …………………………(give) me something different to do. I wish there (7) ………………………..(be) someone here I could talk to but I haven't made any friends. If only I (8) ………………………(make) some, but it's very difficult. I wish you (9) …………………….(live) nearer to me! Please write. I miss you!
Love,
Jenny
EXERCISE II
Write sentences as in the example.
1. You felt sick and you missed your friend's birthday party.
I wish I hadn't felt sick. If I dan't felt sick, I wouldn't have missed my friend's birthday
party.
2. You go up late and you missed the train.
…………………………………………………………………………
3. You weren't offered the job because you weren't qualified.
………………………………………………………………………..
4. You're not a senior staff member so you can't use the car park.
………………………………………………………………………..
5. You didn't go to the meeting so you didn't hear about the safety inspection.
…………………………………………………………………………….
6. You want to go away for the weekend but you've got lots of homework.
………………………………………………………………………….
7. You want a pet but you're allergic to animals.
………………………………………………………………………….
8. You damaged the video because you didn't know how to connect it.
…………………………………………………………………………..
9. You like chocolate but you're on a diet.
………………………………………………………………………….
10. You enjoy playing tennis but you have twisted your ankle.
…………………………………………………………………………
EXERCISE III
Complete the sentences using the words in capital letters. Use two to five words.
1. It's a pity I can't go to the beach today, but I have to stay at home and study. COULD
I wish …………………………..today, but I have to stay at home and study.
2. If it weren't raining, we could go on a picnic. STOP
I wish ………………………………so we could go on a picnic.
3. It's a shame we didn't see the exhibition. HAD
We wish ………………………………….the exhibition.
4. George needs a new car but he can't afford to buy one. COULD
George wishes ……………………………………….a new car.
5. It's a pity Jenny wasn't invited to the party. BEEN
Jenny wishes ………………………………………….to the party.
6. I've been offered a job in Paris but I can't speak French. SPEAK
I wish …………………………………………., because I've been offered a job in Paris.
7. George never arrives on time when we arrange to go out. ONLY
If ………………………………………on time when we arrange to go out.
8. I would really like to be lying on the beach now. WERE
I ………………………………………………on the beach now.
9. It's a shame we missed the beginning of the film. MISSED
I wish ……………………………………….beginning of the film.
10.It's a pity that I wasn't given the position. BEEN
I wish ………………………………………..the position.
WOULD RATHER= I WOULD PREFER
When the subject of I'd rather + Present bare infinitive (present/
`would rather' future refernce)
is also the subject of Perfect bare infinitive (past
the following verb reference)
I'd rather stay in tonight.
I'd rather not have taken the bus, but I had no choice.
When the subject of I'd rather sb + Past Simple (present/future
“would rather” reference)
is different from the Past Perfect (past reference)
subject of the following
verb.
I'd rather you didn't shout so much.
I'd rather you had come with me yesterday.
* prefer +gerund/noun + to + gerund/noun (general).
I prefer watching TV to reading books.
* prefer + full infinitive + rather than + bare infinitive (general preference)
I prefer to eat what I want rather than count calories
* would prefer + full infinitive + rather than + bare infinitive (specific reference)
I'd prefer to play football rather than watch it.
* would rather + bare infinitive + than + bare infinitive
I'd rather ski than skate.
HAD BETTER = should
* I had better + present bare infinitive (present/ future reference)
He had better not wait any longer. ( = He should not wait any longer)
* It would have been better if + Past Perfect (past reference)
It would have been better if he had phoned us to tell us not to wait.
(= He should have phoned us to tell us not to wait.)
IT'S (about/high) time + Simple past
It's time you started work.
As if/ as though + Simple Past (untrue situation in the present)
She behaves as if she were the Queen.
As if/ as though + Past Perfect ( untrue situation in the past)
Soon after being introduced, they were talking to each other
as if they had been friends for years.
EXERCISE IV
Put the verbs in brackets into the correct form.
1. We'd rather you ……………………………(take out) separate holiday insurance.
2. I hate it when you speak to me as if I……………………………….(be) a child.
3. She'd rather ……………………………(not/show) him her passport.
4. It's high time he ……………………….(face) up to his responsibilities.
5. If only I ………………………………..(not /leave) the window open!
6. If they ……………………………(go) out less, they'd have more time.
7. Chris prefers …………………………(work) mornings rather than evenings.
8. Suppose Helen ………………………(invite) your ex-boyfriend, would you still go to the
party?
9. I'd rather Sam …………………………….(not/play) his music so loud.
10. Sylvia wishes she …………………………(have) long hair.
11. Tom's mother made him go to school although he would rather ………………(stay) at
home.
12. I feel a bit sick now. I wish I ………………………..(eat) so much.
13. I'd prefer ………………….(ride) my bicycle to the shops rather than ……………
(take) the bus.
14. I'd rather …………………..(live) alone than ……………..(share) a flat with a stranger.
15. You's better …………………(go) to bed as we have to be up early tomorrow.
EXERCISE V
Complete the sentences using the words in capital letters. Use two to five words.
1. Your mother's worried about you. You should phone her. BETTER
You ………………………………..your mother as she's worried about you.
2. Will you ever think about finding a flat of your own? TIME
It's ……………………………………..about finding a flat of your own.
3. Look at how he lives - he thinks he's a millionaire. IF
He lives …………………………………….a millionaire.
4. This summer, I would rather book a holiday in Monaco than Lyons. PREFER
This summer, I …………………………a holiday in Monaco rather than Lyons.
5. Why didn't you tell me yourself that you were leaving? RATHER
I'd ………………………………..me yourself that you were leaving.
6. She wants to be more like her mother. WISHES
She ……………………………more like her mother.
7. I should have taken that job in Canada last year. ONLY
If …………………………………..that job in Canada last year.
8. You should have checked the oil before you set out. BETTER
It ………………………………….you had checked the oil before you set out.
EXERCISE VI
Fill in the gaps with the appropriate auxiliary.
1. He hasn't got a yacht but he wishes he had.
2. She can't afford a maid but she wishes she ………………… .
3. I didn't pay attention but I wish I ……………….
4. He had his hair cut really short but now he wishes he …………… .
5. He's going to the dentist this afternoon but he wishes he ……………….. .
6. She made a terrible mistake but now she wishes she …………… .
7. They probably won't change their minds but I wish they …………… .
8. He always brings his dog to my house but I really wish he …………… .
9. I forgot to enclose the cheque but I wish I ………………. .
10. He won't let me leave early but I wish he ………….. .
ORAL EXAMINATION PRACTICE
1. Where do you live? Is it a good place to live? Tell me something about the place.
2. What are your special hobbies or interests?
3. What do you do?
4. Why are you learning English?
5. How long have you been learning English?
6. Do you like living in Warsaw?
7. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
8. What are your plans for the future?
9. Do you ever go to art exhibitions? When did you last go to an art exhibition?
10.Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions in life?
11.What role doesmusic play in your life?
12.What job opportunities are there for people your age in Warsaw?
13. How useful will English be in your chosen career?
14. What do you think life will be like in ten years' time?
15. Tell us something about your house or apartment.
16. How has life changed in recent years?
17. Where would you like to live in the future?
18. Do you come from a large or small family?
19. How well do you think English is taught at your university?
20. What other skills would you like to learn in the future?
21. What is your favourite subject at university?
22. What was your favourite subject at school?
23. Can you play any musical instrument?
24. Do you like travelling with or without a lot of luggage?
25. Who are the most important people in your life after your family?
26. Can you tell me something about your family?
27. What's the most interesting thing you have ever done with your family?
28. Do you like travelling by yourself?
29. Do you like making things or drawing?
30 How do you usually spend your holidays?
31. Where did you go for your last holiday?
32. Where would you most like to go for your next holiday?
33. What do you think people gain from visiting other countries?
34. What do you remember best from the time when you were young?
35. Do you collect anything? What is it? If you don't, why not?
36. What kind of music do you most enjoy listening to?
37. Are you interested in reading? What sort of things do you read?
38. How do you help with domestic chores? Are there any domestic duties you like doing?
39. Do you like shopping? Do you often do it?
40. What is the most popular food in your country?
41. Do you normally go out to eat or do you prefer to eat at home?
42. What do you enjoy doing at weekends?
43. What did you do last weekend?
44. Did you enjoy studying English at your university?
45. Do you enjoy studying?
46. Do you think earning a lot of money is more important than the job?
47. Do you enjoy watching TV? What's your favourite programme?
48. How often do you go to the cinema?
49. What kind of films do you enjoy?
50. Who is your favourite film star? Why?
51. What do you do to keep fit?
52. Why did you decide to learn English?
53. What do you enjoy most about learning another language?
54. Do you plan to learn another language in the future?
55. Do you like visiting museums?
56. What place would you like to live in the future?
57. What's the best present you have ever given or recived?
58. Would you like to be rich?
59. How many foreign capitals have you been to?
60. Who's your favourite singer of all time?
61. Have you ever seen or taken part in a demostration?
62. What is your favourite place for a night out?
63. What kind of clothes do you like wearing?
64.What do you use your phone for most?
65. Who is your best friend?
66. What is your favourite holiday?
67. Do you often go to parties?
68. What was your most interesting trip?
Topics for discussion:
POP STARS EARN TOO MUCH MONEY
DANGEROUS SPORTS SHOULD BE BANNED BY LAW
THE ONLY THING PEOPLE ARE INTERESTED IN TODAY IS MONEY
CHILDHOOD IS CERTAINLY THE HAPPIEST TIME OF YOUR LIFE
THE BEST WAY TO TRAVEL IS ON FOOT
EXAMINATIONS SHOULD BE DONE AWAY WITH
IT IS FOOLISH TO GIVE MONEY TO BEGGARS
WOMEN ARE ONLY INTERESTED IN GETTING MARRIED
IT IS WRONG TO INHERIT MONEY
LIFE BEGINS AT FORTY
SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY HOLIDAYS ARE TOO LONG
THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT
IT IS NOT FAIR TO KEEP ANIMALS IN ZOOS
COMPUTERS WILL EVENTUALLY REPLACE BOOKS AND NEWSPAPERS
EMIGRATION WILL SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS
WORK IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN LEISURE.
VEGETARIANS HAVE FOUND THE SECRET OF GOOD LIVING