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568_1_Advanced_Language_Practice_with_key_Vince_M_2003,_326p_CAE

The document explains various conditional structures in English, detailing how to form sentences based on real, hypothetical, and past situations using different tenses and modals. It also discusses alternatives to 'if', such as 'unless', 'provided', and 'even if', as well as variations like 'if only' and 'but for'. Additionally, it covers the use of politeness and emphasis in conditional sentences.

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Alla Petruk
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15 views

568_1_Advanced_Language_Practice_with_key_Vince_M_2003,_326p_CAE

The document explains various conditional structures in English, detailing how to form sentences based on real, hypothetical, and past situations using different tenses and modals. It also discusses alternatives to 'if', such as 'unless', 'provided', and 'even if', as well as variations like 'if only' and 'but for'. Additionally, it covers the use of politeness and emphasis in conditional sentences.

Uploaded by

Alla Petruk
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Explanations

Basic usage • What is always true: present + present


If I work late, I got tired.
If the water is boiling/has boiled, it means the food is nearly ready.
• What was always true: past + past
We went home early if it was foggy.
If it was snowing, we stayed at home.
• Real situations: present + future
Here we think that the outcome is really possible.
If you keep driving like that, you're going to have an accident.
If you see Mark, tell him I'll ring him tomorrow.
• Hypothetical situations: past + would
These are unreal or imaginary situations.
If I knew the answer, I'd tell you.
If I was having a party, I wouldn't invite Marcia.
The verb be usually takes the form were for all persons in these sentences,
though was is used in everyday speech. Note that in the first person it is
possible to use should instead of would.
If I left home, I think I should be lonely.
• Hypothetical past situations: past perfect + would have
These refer to past events.
If I had known you were coming, I would have met you at the station.
• With modals
Possible situations in the present
If you get wet, you should change your clothes immediately.
If you come early, we can discuss the problem together.
Hypothetical situations
If I had the money, I could help you.
Hypothetical past situations
If you hadn't reminded me, I might have forgotten.
Variations • If only \ I wish
This adds emphasis to hypothetical situations. With past events it adds a
sense of regret. The second part of the sentence is often left out.
1) past simple If only I had enough time!
2) past perfect If only I hadn't drunk too much, this wouldn't have happened!
3) would

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GRAMMAR 8 CONDITIONALS

• Unless and other alternatives to if


Unless means only if not.
I'll go ahead and get the tickets unless you call me this afternoon.
(This means if you call me this afternoon, I won't get the tickets.)
This means if one situation depends on another, if can be replaced by as/so
long as, provided or only if. See Grammar 13 for only if.
I'll do what you say provided the police are not informed.
Even if describes how something will happen whatever the condition.
Even if it rains, we'll still go for a picnic.
• Past events with results in the present: past perfect + would
If Jim hadn't missed the plane, he would be here by now.
• Should
After if, this makes the possibility of an event seem unlikely.
If you should see Ann, could you ask her to call me?
(This implies that I do not expect you to see Ann.)
• Were to
This also makes an event seem more hypothetical.
If I were to ask you to marry me, what would you say?
• Happen to
This emphasises chance possibilities. It is often used with should.
If you happen to see Helen, could you ask her to call me?
If you should happen to be passing, drop in for a cup of tea.
• If it were not for/if it hadn 't been for
This describes how one event depends on another.
If it weren't for Jim, this company would be in a mess.
If it hadn't been for their goalkeeper, United would have lost.
• Will and would: politeness and emphasis
These can be used as polite forms.
If you will/would wait here, I'll see if Mrs Green is free.
Will can also be used for emphasis, meaning 'insist on doing'.
If you will stay out late, no wonder you are tired! (insist on staying out)
Other ways of • Supposing, otherwise
making a Supposing or suppose can replace if, mainly in everyday speech.
conditional Supposing you won the football pools, what would you do?
sentence Otherwise means 'or if not'. It can go at the beginning or end of the sentence.
If you hadn't given us directions, we wouldn't have found the house.
Thanks for your directions to the house. We wouldn't have found it otherwise.

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ADVANCED LANGUAGE PRACTICE

якби не
• But for
This can replace if not. It is used in formal language, and must be followed
by a noun form.
If you hadn't helped us, we would have been in trouble.
But for your help, we would have been in trouble.
• If so/if not
These can refer to a sentence understood but not stated.
There is a possibility that Jack will be late. If so, I will take his place.
• Colloquial omission of if
An imperative can be used instead of an if clause in everyday speech.
Sit down, and I'll make us a cup of tea. (If you sit down ...)
• If and adjectives
In expressions such as if it is necessary/possible it is possible to omit the
verb be.
If interested, apply within.
If necessary, take a taxi.
• Formally if can mean although, usually as if+ adjective.
The room was well-furnished, if a little badly decorated.

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