Conditional Tenses

Summary
Framed | Unframed

Real or True Conditions

1a Present & Future considering cause and effect 10- relationships; strategizing 1 If there are no bees, flowers will not be pollinated. (future)

1b Present & Past - referring to habits that happen(ed) routinely.

If I go shopping, I take a cloth bag. If we went shopping, the store gave us a bag. Whenever, we go shopping, we walk.

Unreal or Untrue Conditions

2a Present - considering strategies that one may or may not act on hypothetical statements If I moved my pawn forward, then I could take his bishop.

2b Past - speculating on cause and effect relationship in an accident hypothetical statements

If the second engine hadn't caught fire, the plane could have made an emergency landing.

Conditions - Analysis, Options & Advice

3a Past hypothetical statements 3b Oppotunities not taken Advice that comes too late 3c Practice for mixed hypothetical statements If the night watchmen had had binoculars, they would have been able to spot the iceberg earlier. The captain could have steered directly into the iceberg causing less damage. The Titanic should have had more lifeboats.

Conditional Wishes

4a Present - wishes Past - wishes - real 4b Past - wishes - unreal

I wish I were (was) on vacation. When I was young, I wished I could drive. (I did not - ever.) When I was young, I wished I could have driven.

Conditional Adverbs
9-6 Using if , in the event or should 9-7 Using if, unless or only if 108 Omitting If If you get a flat tire, you'll have to change it. In the event that you get a flat tire, you should know how to change it. Should you get a flat tire, you will need to know how to change it. If you get a flat tire, you should change it unless there is someone else who can do it for you.

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Julie Sevastopoulos [email protected] - ESL Department - College of San Mateo - San Mateo, CA 94402 USA Last updated: 8/26/2008

Conditional
Real Conditional - Future
Framed | Unframed

Read and Contrast

Using Future Conditional to Strategize (plan)

Contrast
NON-CONDITIONAL STATEMENT CONDITIONAL STATEMENT

Beekeepers are reporting the disappearance of their bees. Bee colonies are collapsing at an alarming rate. No one knows what the cause is: disease, climate, pesticides or radiation.

If there are no bees, flowers will not be pollinated. (future) If we can find out why, we can save the bees.
(future)

If we don't find a solution, bees will disappear.

(future)

Condition - Future Result

CONDITIONAL CLAUSE Uses "If" RESULTIVE CLAUSE Uses a modal (will, can, may, might, shall)

If we don't find a solution, (present verb) If there are no bees, If we can find out why, If bees cannot do their jobs,

(then) bees will disappear. (future verb) (then) food crops will not be pollinated. (then) we can save the bees. (then) humans might have to assist.

Commas
Usually if is "sandwiched" between two clauses and no comma is used (standard word order). However, when the if clause is brought to the beginning of the sentence for emphasis, a comma is used to mark the change from standard word order.
INITIAL-POSITION (comma) MID-POSITION (no comma)

If we don't do something, (then) bees will disappear.

Bees will disappear if we don't do something.

Common Mistakes
ERROR FIX

*If you will need something, just ask.

If you need something, just ask. (future)

Practice

A World Without Bees When Professor Gordon Frankie wants to impress schoolchildren with the importance of bees, he lays out an array of foods such as berries, grapes, pears and chocolate alongside a couple of dried-out tortillas and rice cakes and asks them which foods they prefer. "Invariably the kids go for the fruits and chocolate," he said. "Then I tell them: In a world without bees, the only choice they'd have would be the dried-out tortillas or rice cakes, since wheat and rice are self-pollinated. Even chocolate, from the cacao plant, depends on the pollination of bees. That gets their attention." The exact cause of Colony Collapse Disorder is not known.

# QUESTION

YOUR RESPONSE

1. Which clause can complete this sentence? If the cause of the problem is a disease, beekeepers can treat the colony with an antibiotic. beekeepers treat the colony with an antibiotic. beekeepers would treat the colony with an antibiotic.
Yes, a future option.

Answer 1

2. Which clause can complete this sentence? that kills bees. Farmers should not use a pesticide if it kills bees. if if might kill bees.

Yes, how ever 'that' adds an ad

Answer 2

3. Which clause can complete this sentence? If mobile phones are causing the problem people would make a choice between bees or their phones. people make a choice between bees or their phones. people will have to make a choice between bees or their phones.
Incorrect tense match.

Answer 3

4. What tense is this conditional sentence? present If the bees don't pollinate, fruit trees don't produce much fruit. mixed future
Correct

Answer 4

5. Which sentence means about the same. If beekeepers saw their bees were disappearing, they would report it. Whenever the situation happened, beekeepers reported the problem. In case the situation happened, beekeeper s were ready to report it. It didn't happen. When the situation will happen, they will report it.
Yes, a real past condition.

Answer 5

6. What tense is this conditional sentence? present If you see a swarm of bees outside your home, you call the the city. mixed future

Maybe. The sentence indicates

Answer 6

7. What is the tense, and is this real or unreal? a real present condition If the queen bee died, a new queen would take over the hive. an unreal past condition a real past condition
Incorrect

Answer 7

8. How should the sentence be punctuated? , if a solution is found. (comma) Our food supply will be safe if a solution is found. (no comma) if a solution is found. (optional comma)
Incorrect

Answer 8

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Julie Sevastopoulos [email protected] - ESL Department - College of San Mateo - San Mateo, CA 94402 USA Last updated: 10/13/2008

Conditional
Real Conditional - If & Whenever
Framed | Unframed

Read and Contrast

Using "If" and "Whenever" for Conditional Habits

Real Conditions
WHENEVER IF

Whenever I go shopping, I take a cloth bag.

(present)

If I go shopping, I take a cloth bag. (present) If I need light bulbs, I buy CFL bulbs. (present) If we went shopping, the store gave us a bag.
(past)

Whenever I need light bulbs, I buy CFL bulbs.

(present)

Whenever we went shopping, the store gave us a bag. (past) Whenever I needed light bulbs, I bought CFL bulbs. (past)
Whenever = everytime

If I needed light bulbs, I bought CFL bulbs.

(past)

Past vs. Present

PAST TENSE - "THEN"

PRESENT TENSE- "NOW"

If I went to the city, I drove my car. If I left a room , I left the light on. If I shopped for groceries, I got paper bag from the store.

If I go to the city, I take public transportation. If I leave a room, I turn the light off. If I shop for groceries, I take take my own reusable bag.

Punctuation
A comma signals a change in the usual clause order.

RESULTIVE CLAUSE (no comma)

CONDITION

I took a cloth bag I would take a cloth bag

CONDITION (comma)

if I went shopping.
RESULTIVE CLAUSE

If went shopping,

(then) I took a cloth bag.

A Word About "Would"

Would has a few meanings:
USED TO INVITATION HYPOTHETICAL

During the summers, I would go to my grandparents house.

(custom or habit)

Would you like a cookie?

How would you like it if I did that to you?

(present - imaginary)

These sentences mean almost the same:

RESULTIVE CLAUSE CONDITION

I took a cloth bag (1 event or multiple events,

customary)

if I went shopping.

I would take a cloth bag (multiple events,

customary, 'used to')

Practice

Energy Conservation Complete the conditional sentence: 1. 2. Enter the verb form of the condition clause. Select the correct verb form for the result clause

CONDITION - ENTER THE VERB FORM

COMPLETE THE RESULT CLAUSE

CHECK ANSWER

1.

Then, if my car (need) washing,

result clause?

needed: I w ashed it.

2.

Now, If my car (need) washing,

result clause?

needs: I ignore it.

3.

Then, if I (fill) my car with gas,

result clause?

filled: I paid tw enty-five do

4.

Now, if I (fill) my car with gas,

result clause?

fill: (Both answ ers are cor

5.

Then, whenever I (go) to work

result clause?

w ent: I drove alone.

Now, whenever I (go) to work

result clause?

7.

Then, whenever I (dry) my hands in the kitchen,

result clause?

dried: I used a paper tow e

8.

Now, whenever I (dry) my hands in the kitchen,

result clause?

dry: I use a cloth tow el.

9.

Then, whenever I (brush) teeth, my

result clause?

brushed: (Both answ ers a

10. Now, whenever I (brush)

result clause?

brush: I turn the w ater off.

my teeth, 11. Then, whenever I (cooled) home, my

result clause? cooled: I w ould turn on the

AC = air-conditioning

12. Now, whenever I (cool) my home, 13. Then, whenever I (wash) dishes,
semi-full = half full

result clause?

cool: I just use the fan.

result clause?

w ashed: I ran a semi-full d

14. Now, whenever I (wash) dishes, 15. Then, whenever I (need) groceries, 16. Now, whenever I (need) groceries,
Reset

result clause?

w ash: I run a full dishw ash

result clause?

needed: (Both answ ers ar

result clause?

need: I shop once a w eek

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Julie Sevastopoulos [email protected] - ESL Department - College of San Mateo - San Mateo, CA 94402 USA Last updated: 9/16/2008

Conditional
Hypothetical Statements - Present
Framed | Unframed

Read and Contrast

Strategizing with Hypothetical Statements

Before making a move in a game like chess, we think about what would happen if we made amove. No move is made. We're just thinking about the cause-effect relationship.
STRATEGIES CAUSE - EFFECT STATEMENTS

Move my pawn forward to take his bishop.

If I moved my pawn forward, then I could take his bishop. (present)

Slide my castle out of the way of his knight and queen.

If I slid my castle out of the way, then his queen might not take it. (present)

Checkmate his king. Make him mad.

If checkmated his king, my friend would be mad. (present)

CONDITION
STATEMENT

HYPOTHETICAL RESULTING ACTION

If I were/was a millionaire, If I were/was a millionaire, If I could choose anything, If I could choose anything, Were I a millionaire,

I would buy
I could buy I would buy

a private jet. a private jet. a house. a house. a house. commercial airlines. many tax breaks. commercial airlines.

FUTURE MODAL MODAL FUTURE MODAL

*I could buy
I could buy

(awkward)

NEGATIVE

If I were/was a millionaire, If I were/was a millionaire, If I could be a millionaire,

I wouldn't take I couldn't get I wouldn't take

FUTURE MODAL MODAL FUTURE MODAL

If I could be a millionaire,
QUESTION

I could get would you stop would you stop

some tax breaks. working? working?

(awkward)

If you were a millionaire, If your could choose,

* were(formal) or was (informal) is used for 1st and 3rd person singular.

Practice

Strategizing About Reviving a Restaurant

Complete the sentence by selecting a result clause. An asterisk * indicates and incorrect choice.

# QUESTION

YOUR RESPONSE

ANSWER
Answer 1

1. If we moved the restaurant downtown,

we will have more customers. we would have more customers. we would have had more customers.

2. If we used more local farm produce,

Answer 2

we could improve our menu. we could improved our menu. we can improve our menu.

3. If we hired a pastry chef, we could improved our dessert selection. can improve our dessert selection. we could improve our dessert selection.

Answer 3

4. If we opened an oyster bar, we might attract oyster fans.

Answer 4

may have attracted oyster fans. might have attracted oyster fans.

5. If we improved the lightening, it will make the restaurant feel more romantic. it would make the restaurant feel more romantic. it will have made the restaurant feel more romantic. 6. We could fit more customers in the restaurant

Answer 5

Answer 6

if we changed the booths into tables. if we changing the booths into tables. if we would change the booths into tables.

7. We would get more reservations

Answer 7

if we use an Internet booking service like OpenTable. if we may use an Internet booking service like OpenTable. if we used an Internet booking service like OpenTable.

8. Our business would improve , if we made a few changes. (comma) if we made a few changes. (no
comma)

Answer 8

if we made a few changes.

(optional comma)
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Julie Sevastopoulos [email protected] - ESL Department - College of San Mateo - San Mateo, CA 94402 USA Last updated: 9/11/2008

Conditional
Hypothetical Statements - Past
Framed | Unframed

Read and Contrast

Analyzing the Cause of the Concorde Crash In July 2000, Air France's safest aircraft - the supersonic Concorde- crashed leaving many to speculate about what might have caused the accident. Speculation ranged from a flock of birds, to a bad repair job, to the intake of runway debris (garbage) by one or both of the failed engines. Most experts agreed: "We can surmise that a tire or several tires on the landing gear exploded." At week's end, the French Transport Ministry announced, "From the information available at the present time, it emerges that at least one tire burst, something that could have triggered a chain of events, damage to the plane's structure, a fire and engine failure."

CONDITIONS LEADING TO THE ACCIDENT

HYPOTHETICAL CAUSE - EFFECT STATEMENTS

Poor repair on engine number 2.

If the maintenance crew had done a thorough inspection of the aircraft, they would have checked the tires, landing gear and fuel lines in engine no. 2. (but they didn't.) If a strip of metal had been cleaned from the runway, it wouldn't have gotten in the way of the landing gear of the Concorde. (but they didn't.) If one of the tires hadn't exploded, then perhaps

Debris on the runway.

A tire exploded.

it wouldn't have blocked the engine air intake. (but it did.) The second engine caught fire. If the second engine hadn't caught fire, the plane could have made an emergency landing.

Hypothetical Conditionals - Past

CONDITIONAL CLAUSE Uses "If" + past perfect verb RESULTIVE CLAUSE Uses a modal (would have, could have, might have)

If the maintenance crew had done a thorough inspection of the aircraft, If a strip of metal had been cleaned from the runway, If one of the tires hadn't exploded, If the second engine hadn't caught fire,

they would have checked the tires, landing gear and fuel lines ... it wouldn't have gotten in the way of the landing gear... then perhaps, it wouldn't have blocked the engine air intake. the plane could have made an emergency landing.

Other Hypothetical Phrasing

CONDITION RESULTING ACTION Context / Comment

If one of the tires hadn't exploded,

the engines wouldn't have sucked the debris in.

There is a condition that caused the resulting disaster. It made no difference either way - no condition. There existed one unique condition. Otherwise = "If not"

Even if the pilots had shut there still would have been down the fuel tank on engine 2, enough escaped fuel to cause the explosion. Only if there had been a flock of birds in the area, There wasn't a flock of birds in the area. The French Transport Ministry grounded all Concordes. could they have been sucked into the air intake. Otherwise, they would have been suspected as the cause of the engine failure. Otherwise, Air France's Concordes would have continued flying.

Otherwise = "If not"

Word Order

PAST PERFECT STATEMENT If they had checked, (they didn't)

PAST MODAL FORM

they could have made repairs. the problem would have been found. (passive) they would have seen the worn tires.

QUESTION

If they had checked, (they didn't)

would they have seen the problem? would they have changed the tire?

NEGATIVE

If they had checked, (they didn't)

they wouldn't have let the plane leave the hangar. they wouldn't have left worn tires on the plane.

Practice
What Caused the Accident? Select the correct verb form for these past conditional - unreal statements.

Note the punctuation (which affects the meaning of the sentence.) An asterisk * indicates an incorrect choice.

YOUR RESPONSE

CHECK ANSWER

1.

If the Air France Concorde hadn't crashed, then British Airways about possible design flaws in their Concordes.
w ouldn't have kn

wouldn't have known would have known

2.

If the pilots had seen the flames shooting from engine no. 2, they
w ould never have attem

would never have attempted will never have attempted would have never had attempted

taking off.

3.

If there hadn't been structures at the end of the runway, the Concorde
*

had stayed on the

ground. could have stayed would have stayed

(Use your curson & arrow keys to scroll text.)

4.

If British Airways had known about a problem with the landing gear, they problem to Air France.
possibly

could have communicated the should have communicated would have communicated

(Use your curson & arrow keys to scroll text.)

5.

Even if the pilots had managed to turn the plane around, it would have crashed due to the fire. Implies:
Incorrect

They did manage to turn it around. They did not manage and it wouldn't have made a difference.

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Julie Sevastopoulos [email protected] - ESL Department - College of San Mateo - San Mateo, CA 94402 USA Last updated: 8/26/2008

Conditional
Hypothetical Statements - Past
Framed | Unframed

Read and Contrast

Analyzing an Accident: what caused the Titanic to sink? Consider the cause-effect relationships

What errors were made? What could have been done to avoid this tragedy?

CONDITIONS LEADING TO THE ACCIDENT

HYPOTHETICAL CAUSE - EFFECT STATEMENTS

Speed - The Titanic was trying to beat a transAtlantic time crossing record.

If the Captain had cruised at a lower speed and postponed setting a 'crossing' record, the watchmen might have spotted the iceberg in time. If the White Star Line had included more life boats in the design of the Titanic, all the people would have survived.

Lifeboats - The Titanic had lifeboats and preservers for less than half of the people on board

Practice

Analysis- Looking at the Whole "Picture" When we analyze a catastrophe such as the sinking of the Titantic, we try to find the factors, the human errors, which lead to the disaster.

speed insufficient number of lifeboats binoculars ship design angle of impact emergency response time of Titanic crew

radio-operator on the nearby ship California, had his radio off. not enough / insufficient lifeboats insufficiently filled lifeboats gates locking 'steerage passengers' below deck calling Titanic "unsinkable"

SELECT THE CORRECT VERB FORMS

CHECK ANSWER

1. If the White Star Line people 2. If the watchmen

verb form?

verb form?

more life boats, all the . some binoculars before the iceberg

had had: w ould have survived

verb form? verb form?

had located: w ould have seen

leaving England, they earlier. 3.

If ship planners more safety compartments to keep the ship afloat, the Titanic
verb form?

verb form?

had designed: might have staye

afloat until the ship, Carpathia,

verb form?

arrived. 4. If the Captain ship 5. Help directly into the iceberg, the less damage. more quickly if the ship's crew more efficiently.
w ould have come: had reacted

verb form?

verb form?

verb form?

The ship near by, the California,

verb form?

the emergency call if the radiohis radio turned on for emergency

verb form? verb form? had supplied: w ould have been

operator calls 7.

verb form?

If the White Star line

ship with enough . if the crew

life-jackets, all the bodies 8. More people

verb form?

w ould have survived: had filled

verb form?

the lifeboats completely.

might have had: had not locked

9.

Third-class passengers in compartments below deck

verb form? verb form?

a chance if the crew them in.

verb form?

10. If The White Star Shipping Line Titanic "unsinkable", they

the fate.

hadn't called: w ouldn't have tem

verb form?

(tempt=provoke; brought on the "evil eye")

Reset

Text Answers

Text Answers
1. 2. If the White Star Line had included more life boats, all the people would have survived. If the watch crew had located some binoculars before leaving England, they would have seen the iceberg earlier. 3. If the ship designers had included more safety compartments to keep the ship afloat, the ship might have stayed afloat until the Carpathia arrived. 4. If the Captain had steered directly into the iceberg, the ship would have had less damage. 5. Help might have come more quickly if the crew had reacted more quickly, 6. The ship near by, California would have received the emergency call if the radio-operator had had his radio turned on. 7. If the White Star Line had supplied enough life jackets for everyone, all the bodies would have been found. 8. More people would have survived if the crew had filled the lifeboats completely, 9. Third-class passengers in compartments below deck might have had a chance if the crew had not locked them in. 10. If The White Star Shipping Line hadn't called the Titanic "unsinkable", they wouldn't have tempted fate.

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Julie Sevastopoulos [email protected] - ESL Department - College of San Mateo - San Mateo, CA 94402 USA Last updated: 8/26/2008

Conditional
Hypothetical Statements - Options & Advice
Framed | Unframed

Read and Contrast

Considering Options and Advice in the Past After a disaster, such as the sinking of the Titanic, we often analyze the options we had at the time. Then, we make recommendations by selecting the most important things that need to be changed.

"The unsinkable Titanic"

COULD HAVE
OPTIONS OR OPPORTUNITIES NOT TAKEN

SHOULD HAVE
KEY OPTIONS SELECTED AS ADVICE

Passengers could have taken other smaller

The owners should have supplied enough

trans-atlantic ships.

lifeboats for everyone.

The captain could have chosen a more southern The captain should have insisted on better trans-atlantic route. emergency preparation. The owners could have pressed designers to include more safety floatation compartments. The passengers should have asked about the number of lifeboats.

Watchmen could have asked the captain to slow The captain should have been cruising more down due to fog. slowly in the northern ship lanes.
"Could have" is used for non-essential advice. There are "Should have" is used for more urgent advice. These are the many things that could have been done. Maybe, they would key, most important, things that would have made a have made a difference, maybe not. difference. (After the Titanic Inquiry, they became recommendations for changes in maritime rules.)

"Could have"- had the opportunity, but didn't take it

HYPOTHETICAL CAUSE - EFFECT STATEMENTS

OPTIONS

more life jackets emergency drills not enough contact with other ships in the area

The owners could have supplied more life jackets (but they didn't.) The captain could have held emergency practices (but he didn't.) The captain could have radioed other ships in the area about iceberg sightings (but he didn't.)

Two meanings - don't confuse them!

POSSIBILITY HYPOTHETICAL OPTIONS / CHOICES

The captain could have been overconfident. The Titanic could have been off course, too far north. The captain of the ship California could have ignored the call.

The captain could have refused to pilot the ship. The captain could have held emergency practices (drills.) The White Star Line could have supplied more boats.

"Should have"- advice given after-the-fact

HYPOTHETICAL CAUSE - EFFECT STATEMENTS

ADVICE

more life boats and better deployment (lowering them)

The owners should have had enough space in the lifeboats for everyone on board. The crew should have known how to lower them even if the ship was tipping over. The captains of the California and Carpathia should have had their radios on. They should have responded to the distress flares that were shot in the sky. The captain should have listened to earlier reports of icebergs in the area.

faster emergency response from other ships in the area

better vigilance in shipping lanes where icebergs exist

Practice
Opportunities Not Taken Write a sentence (using the words given) about a possible option the owners, crew or passengers could have taken.
EXAMPLE: captain / put / more men on watch

= The captain could have put more men on watch.

CHECK ANSWER

YOUR RESPONSE

captain / cruise / farther south

The captain could have cruised

(Reports of iceberg sightings in northern shipping lanes had been received before their departure.)

2.

ship owners / spend / less money / on publicity

The ship ow ners could have sp

(The ship owners spent more money on advertising than safety.)

3.

passengers / question / "unsinkable" claim.

Passengers could have questio

(The ship owners advertised the Titanic as "unsinkable". Everyone believed it without asking questions about "Plan B". "What if it's not?")

4.

captain / react / more quickly / crash

The captain could have reacted

(He waited to see if the floatation compartments would keep the ship up. Maybe they would have, but later, he saw the damage was too great.)

5.

captain / steer / directly into the iceberg

The captain could have steered

(Fewer floatation compartments would have been destroyed. Maybe, it would have helped.)

Decide whether to use "could have" or "should have". 6.

select one should have - adv

The captain emergency drills.

held

7.

The captain slowed the ship down when visibility became poor.

select one

should have - adv

8.

The passengers avoided sailing on the Titanic's "maiden" or first voyage.

select one

could have - optio

9.

The crew trusted the "unsinkable" label given to the Titanic.

select one

shouldn't have - a

10. The passengers

select one

known that it would

be their last voyage.

couldn't have - no

Reset

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Julie Sevastopoulos [email protected] - ESL Department - College of San Mateo - San Mateo, CA 94402 USA Last updated: 8/26/2008

Conditional
Mixed Conditional Practice
Framed | Unframed

Read and Contrast

When the Past Affects the Present Sometimes past events influence present situations. This can be stated in two ways:

stating the real situation stating the situation hypothetically (with regret or praise)

REAL SITUATION
CAUSE (PAST) - EFFECT (PRESENT)

HYPOTHETICAL SITUATION
CAUSE (PAST) - EFFECT (PRESENT)

You did not feed the dog. The dog is hungry. She gave you her sad look. You know it's her dinner time now.

If you had fed the dog, she wouldn't be hungry now. If she hadn't given you her sad look, you wouldn't know that it's her dinner time now.

Practice

Mixed Hypothetical Sentences

1. 2. Select the answer that best completes the sentence. An asterisk * indicates and incorrect choice.

MODAL SENTENCE

YOUR RESPONSE

1. You brought home an office chair with wheels on it. The dog is pushing the chair around the room now. weren't

If you hadn't brought home an office chair with wheels, the dog
*

wouldn't be wouldn't have been

pushing it around the room now.

2. The dog learned how to push the chair next to the kitchen counter. The dog is walking on the kitchen counter now! If the dog to push the office chair next to the kitchen counter, it wouldn't have managed to get up on the kitchen counter! Off!
*

had learned hadn't learned would have learned

3. You did not neuter your cat. There are too many kittens now. If you had neutered your cat, there many kittens running around now.
*

weren't wasn't so wouldn't be

4. You left your dogs at home alone all day. They are begging you for a walk now. If you your dogs at home alone all day, they wouldn't be begging your for a walk now.
*

left didn't leave hadn't left

5. Someone left the gate open. The goats are loose! (outside of their pen) If someone hadn't left the gate open, the goats
*

would be wouldn't wouldn't be

loose!

6. There was a sufficient amount of rain this spring. There is enough grass for the farm animals to eat now. If there a sufficient amount of rain this spring, there wouldn't be enough grass for the farm animals to eat now.
hadn't been

hadn't been had been wouldn't been

7. You didn't play with your cat earlier today. Your cat is sulking. (offended, ill-humored) Your cat wouldn't be sulking now if you
*

played had played hadn't played

played with her earlier today.

8. You didn't socialize your dog from an early age. (accustom it to other animals) Your dog barks at all the other dogs on the beach. Your dog barking at all the other dogs on the beach if you had socialized your dog from an early age.
w ouldn't be

wouldn't be hadn't been had been

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Julie Sevastopoulos [email protected] - ESL Department - College of San Mateo - San Mateo, CA 94402 USA Last updated: 8/26/2008

Conditional
Wishes
Framed | Unframed

Read and Contrast

Making a wish can be anything from one's private thought to imposing one's will on others. Note the subtle implications of the wishes below.

Expressing Wishes
A WISH THAT CAN COME TRUE
WISH + INFINITIVE

A WISH THAT WON'T COME TRUE

WISH - PAST VERB FORM

We wish to go with you. (direct request /

demand)

I wish I were home in my country. (private

thought; longing)

We'd like to go with you. (more polite request) I hope (that) we can go with you. (suggestion /
request)

I wish I could go with you. (excuse or regret) I wish you would let me pay for dinner. (pretend
regret)

* I wish (that) I can go with you. (incorrect)

I wish you'd turn that TV off! (low expectation

request; anger)

A PRESENT WISH ABOUT A PAST ACTION

A PAST WISH ABOUT A PAST ACTION THAT

THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN

WISH - PAST MODAL

DIDN'T HAPPEN
WISHED - PAST MODAL

I wish I could have gone with you. (regret) I wish you would have remembered to take the dog out. (nag, anger)

I wished I could have gone with you.

(remembering with regret)

I wished I had been old enough to drive.

(remembering a wish)

Practice

Use the cues to write a wish statement. 1. 2. Select a verb tense from the pull-down menu. Then, check your answer.

YOUR RESPONSE

ANSWER

1.

You haven't had a vacation all year. Make a wish. I wish I (be)
tense?

w as or w ere

on a beautiful tropical island.

2.

It's raining. Your friend is leaving without his coat. I hope you (take)
verb?

w ill take or take

your coat.

3.

It was raining. Your friend caught a cold because he didn't wear his coat. Remind him about the advice you gave. I wish you (wear) you wouldn't listen.
verb?

w ould have w orn or had w

your coat, but

4.

You wish to buy a new coat, but you have no money right now. I wish I (buy)
verb?

could buy

a coat.

5.

You weren't at the noon meeting. You had another appointment. I wish I (be) but I had another appointment.
verb?

could have been - excuse

at the noon meeting,

6.

You are angry about a person failing to show up to a meeting. I wish you (call) know you couldn't meet me.
verb?

had called/w ould have call

me to let me

7.

You want to help prepare some documents for a meeting. Make a polite request / wish. I (like) for the next meeting.
verb?

w ould like

to help prepare the documents

8.

You are at a party. You want to go home. Tell your friend . Make a direct request/wish. I (wish)
verb?

w ish to

leave now.

9.

Your friend wants help with homework. You want to watch a TV movie. Make an excuse. I wish I (help) you with your homework, but I have something else planned at the moment.
verb?

could help

10. At the holiday office party, your boss drank a little to much, sat on the copy machine and photocopied his behind.You missed it! I wish I
verb?

could have seen

that!

11 A few days after the holiday office party, you remember the embarrassing event and what you were thinking at that time. I wished
verb?

had had/w ould have had

a camera!

12 You have an officemate that smokes. You make a somewhat angry wish. I wish you
verb?

w ould stop

stop smoking!

13 A friend tells you that he was near your office earlier that day, but didn't want to bother you. You tell him your regrets. I wish you coffee.
verb?

w ould have stopped/had s

by for a cup of

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Julie Sevastopoulos [email protected] - ESL Department - College of San Mateo - San Mateo, CA 94402 USA Last updated: 8/26/2008

Conditional

Hypothetical Wishes

Framed | Unframed

Just for Fun

What Would Barbie Say If She Could Talk?

Barbie and Ken

Practice

Barbie Wishes

YOUR RESPONSE

CHECK ANSWER

What would she say about her small feet? (larger) I wish my feet

w ere larger!

2.

What would she say about her tiny waist? (not so tiny) I wish my waist

w ere not so tiny.

3.

What would she say about her smile. (frown sometimes too) I wish I too.

could frow n som

4.

What would she say about Ken borrowing her Ferrari? (Ken keep his hands off my car.) I wish Ken his hands off my

w ould keep

car.

5.

What would she say about her clothing? (wear comfortable clothing) I wish I instead. comfortable clothing

could w ear

6.

What would Ken say about Barbie's intellect? I wish Barbie

select one

a mind!

had

7.

What would Ken say about Barbie's car? I wish Barbie car.
select one

me her

w ould give

8.

What would Ken say about Barbie's "Dream House" I wish it

select one

w eren't

so very pink!

9.

What would Ken say about Barbie's cooking? I wish she

select one

could cook/cooke

10. What would Ken say about Skipper, Barbie's sister? I wish Skipper me.
select one

w ould go

out with

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Julie Sevastopoulos [email protected] - ESL Department - College of San Mateo - San Mateo, CA 94402 USA Last updated: 8/26/2008

Connectors
Adverbs of Probablilty - In Case In the Event Should
Framed | Unframed

Read & Compare

Planning for the Unexpected

"In case", "in the event" and "should" are used to tell plans for big and little emergencies.

CONDITION

PLAN

In the event (that) you need to reach me,

call my cell phone.

In case you need to reach me, Should you need to reach me,

call my home. call me at work.

INITIAL POSITION (use a comma)

MID-POSITON (no comma)

In the event (that) you need to reach me, call me. In case you need to reach me, call me. Should you need to reach me, call me.

Call me in the event you need me. Call me in case you need me. Call me should you need me.

NOTE: When the adverb is at the beginning of the sentence, a comma is used to mark a change from normal word order:

Practice 1

ADVERBS OF PROBABILITY Select the answer that best completes the sentence. Pay attention to verb agreement.
# YOUR RESPONSE CHECK ANSWER

1.

I doubt that you will need them, but here are my emergency numbers. Here are my emergency numbers in case
-

in case you need them.

2.

It's not likely, but if my brother calls, tell him I'll be home tonight. Should tonight.
-

Should my brother call

, tell him I'll be home

3.

If there is a tornado, find shelter underground. In the event underground.

-

In the event (that) there

, find shelter

4.

It's unlikely that I will win the lottery, but if I do, please don't ask me for money.
-

Should I w in the lottery

Should for money.

, don't ask me

5.

If an earthquake occurs, stand in a doorway.

-

In the event that an eart

In the event doorway.

, stand in a

6.

While you may not need them, I am leaving my car keys here for you. I am leaving my car keys here for you in case
-

in case you need them.

7.

I'll leave the cookies on the counter, here, if you want any more.
-

Should you w ant any m

Should here, on the counter.

, I will leave them,

(Note that the speaker expresses additional doubt by using 'any' instead of 'some'.)

8.

While it probably won't rain, if you like I can lend you an umbrella.
-

In case it rains

In case an umbrella.

, I can lend you

9.

It probably won't happen, but if you get home late, I'll leave the light on.
-

Should you get home la

Should light on.

, I'll leave the

10. If the President calls, tell him I am busy!

-

In the event the preside

In the event busy!

, tell him I am

Reset

Practice 2

Select the answer that best completes the sentence. Pay attention to verb agreement.
# YOUR RESPONSE CHECK ANSWER

11. Give him my cell phone number

-

should

he need me.

12.

she gets overwhelmed,

In the event, In case

ask her to call me.

13.

my cell phone be turned off,

Should

call my office number.

14.

Call my home the phone in the office.

no answers

In the event that, In cas

15.

you call my home and no one answers, call my parents.

should

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Julie Sevastopoulos - [email protected] College of San Mateo - San Mateo, CA 94402 USA Last updated:

11/13/2008

Connectors
Adverbs of Condition - If, Unless & Only If
Framed | Unframed

Read & Contrast

Conditions
"If", "unless" and "only if" are often used to state conditions for desired outcomes.

IF

UNLESS (if not)

ONLY IF (one specific condition)

If you cook your turkey like this, you will have a tender turkey.

Unless you cook your turkey like this, you won't have a tender turkey. Unless you cook your turkey like this, you will have a tough turkey.

Only if you cook your turkey like this, will you have a delicious dinner.

CONDITION

RESULTING ACTION

Connotation

If you use a thermometer,

you will know when your turkey is done. you won't know when your turkey is done.

This is one way to tell when it's ready. There may be other ways as well. Not using a thermometer will give bad results. (Listen to me!) There is only one way to tell when it's done. (I don't think much of the other ways.)

Unless you use a thermometer,

Only if you use a thermometer, will you know when your turkey is done.

Note: Sometimes, using the negative form is a way for the speaker to impose his/her

will. Compare: "Are you tired?" and "Aren't you tired?". The speaker, when using the negative, wants the listener to agree.

Only IF - Requires Word Order Change

CONDITION RESULTING ACTION

If

you dry your dishes with a towel,

they will be spotless! will they be spotless!

Only you dry your dishes if with a towel,

If

you use Zing dish soap,

you get really clean dishes. (get = do get) do you get really clean dishes.

Only you use Zing dish if soap,

If

you used Zing dish soap,

you got really clean dishes. (got = did get) did you get really clean dishes.

Only you used Zing dish if soap,

Note: If there is no auxilary verb , you will need to add one.

Contrast:
CONDITION REGRETFUL WISH

Only if you dry your dishes with a towel, will they be spotless!

If only I had more time,I could relax.

Practice
Road Rules Choose the answer that best completes the sentence.

More than one answer may be correct. Note the punctuation (which affects the meaning of the sentence.) An asterisk * indicates an incorrect choice.

YOUR RESPONSE

OPTIONS

1. Most drivers will let you change lanes

if

you signal well in advance.

if unless

2. You shouldn't change lanes

you signal first.

if unless

3. A driver may change lanes

only if

it is safe to do so.

only if unless

4. A driver may make a right turn on a red light checks for oncoming traffic.

if

he stops first and then

if unless

5. A driver may make a right turn on a red traffic is oncoming.

it is a one-way street and the

if unless

6. I driver can go through a red light do so.

if

a police officer instructs the driver to

if unless

7. A driver may drive 65 mph in a zone that is marked 65 mph to do so.

it is unsafe

if unless

8.

drivers are careful, accidents will happen.

if unless

9.

If

you drink, don't drive.

if unless

10 A driver should park in a handicapped space permit.

only if

the driver has a special

only if unless

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Julie Sevastopoulos - [email protected] College of San Mateo - San Mateo, CA 94402 USA Last updated: 8/29/2008

Conditional
Rephrasing "if" Clauses
Framed | Unframed

Read & Compare

Omitting "if" in a Conditional Sentence

"If" can be omitted placing more emphasis on the verb. This form is often used when giving advice.

Using "Were", "Had" & "Should"

IF CONDITIONAL VERB PHRASES

If I were you, I wouldn't get involved. If I had known, I would have said something. If you should see him again, call me immediately.

Were I you, I wouldn't get involved. Had I known, I would have said something. Should you see him again, call me immediately.
"Were" is used infrequently, mostly with "Were I you"

Conditional Clause - Word Order Change

1) Remove "if".
VERB TYPES

2) Move the auxiliary verb to the front of the sentence

CONDITIONAL CLAUSE

RESULTIVE CLAUSE

"were"

If I were you, Were I you,

I would have asked him to pay me back

"had"

If the police had come, Had the police come,

they would have stopped him.

"should

If he comes back, Should he come back,

call me. call me.

Omitting "if" by Using Other Adverbs

IF OTHER CONDITIONAL ADVERBS

If you need to reach me, call my cell phone.

In the event (that) you need to reach me, call my cell phone. In case you need to reach me, call my home.

Related page: Adverbs of Probability

Practice

Select an option from each menu to rephrase the sentence without "if". Then, check your answer.

SELECT YOUR RESPONSE ANSWER

CHECK

1.

If you should need some more money, just ask me.

--

Should you need some more mo

just ask me.

just

ask me.

2.

If I were your teacher, I would insist you try harder.

--

Were I your teache

, I would insist you try

harder. , I would insist you

try harder.

3.

If my boss calls, please let me know right away.

--

please let me know right , please let me away.

know right away.

4.

If I had thought of the right words, I would have told him what I was thinking!
--

Had I thought of the right w

I would have told

him what I was thinking! ,I

would have told him what I was thinking!

5.

If I were a millionaire, I would not have to worry about spending money. , I would not have to worry about spending money.
--

I would not have to worry about spending money.

Were I a millionair

6.

If they run out of tickets, we will have to go to another movie.

--

Should they run out

we will have to go to

another movie. , we

will have to go to another movie.

7.

If you change your mind, let me know.

--

Should you change your m

let me know.

, let me

know

8.

If you had known my dad, you would have thought he was wonderful too.
--

you would have thought he was wonderful too.

Had you know n my dad,

you would have

thought he was wonderful too.

9.

If you had seen the bird dancing, you would have laughed too.
--

Had you seen the

you would have laughed

too. dancing

, you would have laughed too.

10. If I were a movie star, I could get any table in the fanciest restaurant. I could get any table in the fanciest restaurant.
--

I could get any table in the fanciest restaurant.

Were I a movie star

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Julie Sevastopoulos - [email protected] College of San Mateo - San Mateo, CA 94402 USA Last updated: 8/29/2008