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Time Clauses

The document discusses the uses of "would be able to", "could", and time clauses in conditional sentences. It provides examples of: - "Would be able to" referring to conditional ability. - "Could" referring to logical possibility or the past tense of "can". - Three types of time clauses - past, present, and future - and examples of time expressions used in each. - Exercises forming conditional sentences using time expressions and responding to situations.

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304 views

Time Clauses

The document discusses the uses of "would be able to", "could", and time clauses in conditional sentences. It provides examples of: - "Would be able to" referring to conditional ability. - "Could" referring to logical possibility or the past tense of "can". - Three types of time clauses - past, present, and future - and examples of time expressions used in each. - Exercises forming conditional sentences using time expressions and responding to situations.

Uploaded by

PECH86
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as ODT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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"would be able" only refers to the notion of ability (in the contitional):

- If he studied English, he would be able to understand you.

- If my wrist weren't in a cast, I would be able to help you put these boxes away.(Si mi mueca no estuviera
en un yeso, yo podra ayudarte a guardar estas cajas)

"could" may also refer to a logical possibility:

- Don't go there, it could be dangerous!

"could" can also be past of "can")

TIME CLAUSES
Existen 3 tipos de "Time Clauses". Los dos primeros no suelen plantearnos dificultades.
a) Past Time Clauses: en las que tanto la oracin subordinada como la principal de la que aqulla forma parte
se refieren al pasado: When I got home, I phoned the shop (Cuando llegu a casa, llam a la tienda).

b) Present Time Clauses: en las que ambas oraciones hacen referencia al presente.

c) Future Time Clauses: en las que, a pesar de que el verbo de la "time clause" hace referencia al futuro, no
ir en ningn caso conjugado en futuro simple (will + infinitivo) sino en presente simple (con algunas
excepciones en las que puede aparecer en "present perfect", y de las que nos ocuparemos en otra ocasin)

Vamos a ver algunos ejemplos de este ltimo tipo:

- When (cuando): Pay no attention to him when you get home.

- Before (antes de): Should I tell her before she leaves?

- After (despus de): After you get to work, drink a glass of water

- Until / Till (hasta): I won't leave until you tell me.

- As soon as (tan pronto como / en cuanto): As soon as I hear from her, I' ll give you a telephone call.

EJERCICIOS

1- Use the following time expressions and words in brackets to complete the sentences.
after till as soon as before when whenever

-What time is she going to leave? - Why do you want to know ................ she ........................... ?
(leave)
-Will you do it before or .............................. you ............................................. this work? (finish)
-I want to get up early tomorrow - ..................... the sun ............................ . (rise)
-Can I call you from time to time? - Of course.
-Feel free to contact me ............................... you
...................... it. (need)
-You should water the garden ............................ it ....................... dark. (get)

-I have to wait ..................... the boat .................


(land).

2- Use conditional sentences to respond to the following situations.


Example:
I can't speak Spanish. I won't get the job.
If I could speak Spanish I would get the job.

-He didn't have money. He didn't buy the house.


If ....................................................................................................................................................

-I don't know her number. I can't call her.


Provided .......................................................................................................................................

-I enjoyed it. I stayed till the end.


If ....................................................................................................................................................

-I agreed. It was a good offer.


I ............................................................. in case............................................................................

-He isn't from here. He will get lost.


If ........................................................................

-I didn't like the film. I didn't watch it.


If ..................................................................................................................................................

-He is not a good actor. He will not get the part.


If ........................................................................

3- Make similar conditional sentences.


Example:
It will not snow. We will not go skiing.
If it does not snow we will not go skiing.

-She won't come. You must tell her.


She ......................... unless ................................

-Give him a present. He'll be surprised.


If ........................................................................

-Take it. You won't regret it.


If ........................................................................

-It will rain. I'll take my umbrella.


In case ...............................................................

-We will miss the plane. We must set off early.


We will miss the plane if .................................

-You crashed. You drove too fast.


You wouldn't .....................................................
provided you .....................................................

-He didn't take an aspirin. He had a headache.


He wouldn't .......................................................
in case he ...........................................................

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