CONDITIONAL STRUCTURES Batx 2

REAL UNREAL 0 IF + present , present 1 IF + present, will + inf when can may might could IF + past tense, would+ inf could + inf/might + inf 3 IF + past perf., would have+ pp could have might have

Mixed Conditionals

Which type? If I had studied harder, I would be at University. If I had gotten that job, I would be starting tomorrow. If I lived in England, I would have gone to the London Olympics. Past cause Present result Past cause Future result Present cause Past result

Past - Present Most often, the past is with TYPE 2 If I had studied harder, I would be at University. If he had been to Cyprus, he would know that they drive on the left. If she had known English better, she would have that job. If he had won the lottery, he would be rich. Most often, the past is with TYPE 2 because mixed are usually about something TOO LATE!

Past - Future If she had had the money, she would be joining us for the ski trip. If I had been born in England, I wouldn’t have to go to the consulate next week. If they hadn’t challenged the decision, I wouldn’t have to go to court.

Present - Past If I spoke French, I would have applied for the exchange program. If I didn’t have to work such long hours, I would have signed up for that photography course. If I *were a gardener, I would have bought a house with a garden.

Examples If I had woken up early, I wouldn’t take a taxi. Present I wouldn’t have to stand in the line this afternoon. Future If I had listened to my mom, Present Future I would be happy in my marriage. I wouldn’t have to go on a blind date tonight.

Wishes: “wish” vs “if only” wish/if only past simple different in the present I wish I had a hat. If only I had a hat. wish/if only past perfect: sorry about the past I wish I hadn’t said no. If only I hadn’t said no. wish/if only would + S + inf. polite request to change I wish you would be quiet. If only you would be quiet.

I wish / If only + past simple Stative verbs such as be, know, like and understand are used. Ex. If only he were more responsible. I wish I didn’t have to go to work tomorrow.

Notes “If only” is stronger and more dramatic After “I” and “we”, we can use could instead of would Ex. I wish I could go home. Ex. I wish you could go home. Ex. I wish I could go to Paris next summer. You can use “were” instead of “was e.g. If only he weren’t so shy.

giving advice & preference Giving advice: had better + infinitive You’d/ had better throw it in the trash He’d/ had better wait for me. Expressing preference: would rather I would rather eat dirt! I would rather take her to a movie. “would rather” vs “prefer” “would rather” is to contrast I prefer eating bananas. I would rather eat bananas (than…) Can’t use in past tense should/ought to had better must

Hope If there is a real possibility that the action will happen, we use hope + present + future tense Ex. I hope it doesn’t rain this weekend

Would rather/ would sooner To express preferences about other people’s actions: Would rather/ sooner + past simple +past continuous Ex. I’d rather you didn’t wear that. Ex. I’d sooner go hungry that eat that!