Conditional Тutorial – допълнителни материали – част 1

From: teacher_snezhana
To : all students from upper-intermediate level
Subject: grammar – conditionals

Connected with my last-week promise the article on conditional is now available on website.
Please, study it carefully and do all the exercises up to the subheading Mixed Conditionals. If you have any questions we can discuss them in the upper-intermediate classroom. Mixed conditionals are our topic this week.

Conditional Tutorial

There are two kinds of conditional sentences: real and unreal. Real Conditional describes real-life situations. Unreal Conditional describes unreal, imaginary situations. Although the various conditional forms might seem quite abstract at first, they are actually some of the most useful structures in English and are commonly included in daily conversations.

Present Conditionals
Present Real Conditional
FORM
[If / When … Simple Present …, … Simple Present …]
[… Simple Present … if / when … Simple Present …]
USE
The Present Real Conditional is used to talk about what you normally do in real-life situations.
Examples:
If I go to a friend’s house for dinner, I usually take a bottle of wine or some flowers.
When I have a day off from work, I often go to the beach.
If the weather is nice, she walks to work.
Jerry helps me with my homework when he has time.
I read if there is nothing on TV.
A: What do you do when it rains?
B: I stay at home.
A: Where do you stay if you go to Sydney?
B: I stay with my friends near the harbor.

IMPORTANT If / When
Both „if“ and „when“ are used in the Present Real Conditional. Using „if“ suggests that something happens less frequently. Using „when“ suggests that something happens regularly.
Examples:
When I have a day off from work, I usually go to the beach.
I regularly have days off from work.
If I have a day off from work, I usually go to the beach.
I rarely have days off from work.

Present Unreal Conditional
FORM
[If … Simple Past …, … would + verb …]
[… would + verb … if … Simple Past …]
USE
The Present Unreal Conditional is used to talk about what you would generally do in imaginary situations.
Examples:
If I owned a car, I would drive to work. But I don’t own a car.
She would travel around the world if she had more money. But she doesn’t have much money.
I would read more if I didn’t watch so much TV.
Mary would move to Japan if she spoke Japanese.
If they worked harder, they would earn more money.
A: What would you do if you won the lottery?
B: I would buy a house.
A: Where would you live if you moved to the U.S.?
B: I would live in Seattle.

EXCEPTION If I were …
In the Present Unreal Conditional, the form „was“ is not considered grammatically correct. In written English or in testing situations, you should always use „were.“ However, in everyday conversation, „was“ is often used.
Examples:
If he were French, he would live in Paris.
If she were rich, she would buy a yacht.
I would play basketball if I were taller.
I would buy that computer if it were cheaper.
I would buy that computer if it was cheaper. Not Correct (But often said in conversation.)

IMPORTANT Only use „If“
Only the word „if“ is used with the Present Unreal Conditional because you are discussing imaginary situations. „When“ cannot be used.
Examples:
I would buy that computer when it were cheaper. Not Correct
I would buy that computer if it were cheaper. Correct

EXCEPTION Conditional with Modal Verbs
There are some special conditional forms for modal verbs in English:
would + can = could
would + shall = should
would + may = might
The words „can,“ „shall“ and „may“ cannot be used with „would.“ Instead, they must be used in these special forms.
Examples:
If I went to Egypt, I would can learn Arabic. Not Correct
If I went to Egypt, I could learn Arabic. Correct
If she had time, she would may go to the party. Not Correct
If she had time, she might go to the party. Correct
The words „could,“ should,“ „might“ and „ought to“ include conditional, so you cannot combine them with „would.“
Examples:
If I had more time, I would could exercise after work. Not Correct
If I had more time, I could exercise after work. Correct
If he invited you, you really would should go. Not Correct
If he invited you, you really should go. Correct

Conditional Exercise 2
Present Unreal Conditional
Using the words in parentheses, complete the text below with the appropriate conditional form.

Did you hear about that guy who won 180 million dollars in the lottery? If I (win) that much money, I (quit) my job the next day. I (travel) around the world and (stay) in the most luxurious hotels. If I (want) anything, I (buy) it. If I (see) a beautiful Mercedes that I wanted, I (buy) it. If I wanted to stay in a beautiful hotel and the hotel (be) full, I (buy) the hotel and make them give me a room. I (can) do anything in the world if I had 180 million dollars … Oh, I am starting to sound a little materialistic… Well… I (do) good things with the money as well. If anybody (need) help, I (give) them some money to help them out. I (donate) money to charities. I (give) money to help support the arts. If I (win) that much money, I wouldn’t keep it all for myself. I (help) as many people as possible.

Conditional Exercise 3
Present Real Conditional / Present Unreal Conditional
Using the words in parentheses, complete the text below with the appropriate conditional form.

Michael: Sharon, I am having some problems at work, and I was wondering if you might be able to give me some advice.

Sharon: Sure, what’s the problem?

Michael: The computer sales business is more difficult than I thought. When customers (come) in to look at the new computer models, they often (ask) me which model they should buy. If they (ask) me to suggest a model, I (be) usually quite honest with them. Most computer users don’t need a very advanced computer; they just need a basic model which they can use for word-processing, bookkeeping and Internet access. If I am honest and I (recommend) one of the cheaper models, my boss (get) angry at me. He always says that a good salesperson can convince a customer to buy one of the more expensive advanced models. I don’t really feel comfortable doing that. What would you do in my situation? Isn’t it wrong to make them buy something which they don’t need?

Sharon: I think you should help your customers make an intelligent decision. If I (be) you, I (educate) the customers. I (teach) them how to make a good decision by themselves. I (make, not) the decision for them. When a customer (ask) a question, answer it honestly. You don’t need to lie to the customer, and you don’t need to make the decision for them.

Michael: When I (sell) an inexpensive computer to a customer, my boss (complain) that I am not trying hard enough. What would you tell him?

Sharon: If I (be) in your situation, I (tell) him that I wasn’t comfortable forcing customers to buy products which they don’t need. Tell him that you don’t want to lie to honest people, and that you want to provide them with good service. Remind him that when customers (get) good service, they (return) to a store and spend more money.

Michael: I think that’s a great idea. He (might) change his mind if I said that to him. Maybe he (realize) that good service is the most important thing to consumers. And, of course, I (feel) much more comfortable if I (be) able to be honest with the customers. Thanks for your advice.

Future Conditionals
Future Real Conditional
FORM
[If / When … Simple Present …, … Simple Future …]
[… Simple Future … if / when … Simple Present …]
Notice that there is no future in the if- or when-clause.
USE
The Future Real Conditional describes what you think you will do in a specific situation in the future. It is different from other Real Conditional forms because, unlike the present or the past, you do not know what will happen in the future. Although this form is called „real“, you are usually imagining or guessing about the future. It is called „real“ because it is still possible that the action might occur in the future. Carefully study the following examples and compare them to the Future Unreal Conditional examples further down the page.
Examples:
If I go to my friend’s house for dinner tonight, I will take a bottle of wine or some flowers.
I am still not sure if I will go to his house or not.
When I have a day off from work, I am going to go to the beach.
I have to wait until I have a day off.
If the weather is nice, she is going to walk to work.
It depends on the weather.
Jerry will help me with my homework when he has time.
I have to wait until he has time.
I am going to read if there is nothing on TV.
It depends on the TV schedule.
A: What are you going to do if it rains?
B: I am going to stay at home.

IMPORTANT If / When
Both „if“ and „when“ are used in the Future Real Conditional, but the use is different from other Real Conditional forms. In the Future Real Conditional, „if“ suggests that you do not know if something will happen or not. „When“ suggests that something will definitely happen at some point; we are simply waiting for it to occur. Notice also that the Simple Future is not used in if-clauses or when-clauses.
Examples:
When you call me, I will give you the address.
You are going to call me later, and at that time, I will give you the address.
If you call me, I will give you the address.
If you want the address, you can call me.

Future Unreal Conditional
FORM 1 (Most Common Form)
[If … Simple Past …, … would + verb …]
[… would + verb … if … Simple Past …]
Notice that this form looks the same as Present Unreal Conditional.
USE
The Future Unreal Conditional is used to talk about imaginary situations in the future. It is not as common as the Future Real Conditional because English speakers often leave open the possibility that anything MIGHT happen in the future. It is only used when a speaker needs to emphasize that something is impossible. Because this form looks like Present Unreal Conditional, many native speakers prefer Form 2 described below.
Examples:
If I had a day off from work next week, I would go to the beach.
I don’t have a day off from work.
I am busy next week. If I had time, I would come to your party.
I can’t come.
Jerry would help me with my homework tomorrow if he didn’t have to work.
He does have to work tomorrow.

FORM 2
[If … were + present participle …, … would be + present participle …]
[… would be + present participle … if … were + present participle …]
USE
Form 2 of the Future Unreal Conditional is also used to talk about imaginary situations in the future. Native speakers often prefer this form over Form 1 to emphasize that the conditional form is in the future rather than the present. Also notice in the examples below that this form can be used in the if-clause, the result, or both parts of the sentence.
Examples:
If I were going to Fiji next week, I would be taking my scuba diving gear with me. In if-clause and result
I am not going to go to Fiji and I am not going to take my scuba gear with me.
If I were not visiting my grandmother tomorrow, I would help you study. In if-clause
I am going to visit my grandmother tomorrow.
I am busy next week. If I had time, I would be coming to your party. In result
I am not going to come to your party.

FORM 3
[If … were going to + verb …, … would be + present participle …]
[… would be + present participle … if … were going to + verb …]
USE
Form 3 of the Future Unreal Conditional is a variation of Form 2 which is also used to talk about imaginary situations in the future. Notice that this form is only different from Form 2 in the if-clause. Native speakers use Form 3 to emphasize that the conditional form is a plan or prediction in the same way „be going to“ is used to indicate a plan or prediction.
Examples:
If I were going to go to Fiji next week, I would be taking my scuba diving gear with me.
I am not going to go to Fiji and I am not going to take my scuba gear with me.
If I were not going to visit my grandmother tomorrow, I would help you study.
I am going to visit my grandmother tomorrow.

IMPORTANT Only use „If“
Only the word „if“ is used with the Past Unreal Conditional because you are discussing imaginary situations. „When“ cannot be used.
Examples:
I would buy that computer tomorrow when it were cheaper. Not Correct
I would buy that computer tomorrow if it were cheaper. Correct

EXCEPTION Conditional with Modal Verbs
There are some special conditional forms for modal verbs in English:
would + can = could
would + shall = should
would + may = might
The words „can,“ „shall“ and „may“ cannot be used with „would.“ Instead, they must be used in these special forms.
Examples:
If I went to Egypt next year, I would can learn Arabic. Unfortunately, that’s not possible. Not Correct
If I went to Egypt next year, I could learn Arabic. Unfortunately, that’s not possible. Correct
The words „could,“ should,“ „might“ and „ought to“ include conditional, so you cannot combine them with „would.“
Examples:
If I didn’t have to work tonight, I would could go to the fitness center. Not Correct
If I didn’t have to work tonight, I could go to the fitness center. Correct
Future Real Conditional vs. Future Unreal Conditional
To help you understand the difference between the Future Real Conditional and the Future Unreal Conditional, compare the examples below:
Examples:
If you help me move tomorrow, I will buy you dinner. Future Real Conditional
I don’t know if you can help me.
If you helped me move tomorrow, I would buy you dinner. Future Unreal Conditional
You can’t help me, or you don’t want to help me.

Conditional Exercise 7
Future Real Conditional
Using the words in parentheses, complete the text below with the appropriate conditional form.

I am not sure what I am going to do when I (graduate) , but I do know I want to travel. I am probably going to work at my father’s restaurant for a few months during the summer. When I (have) enough money, I (go) to Europe to visit some friends I met while studying.

I have always wanted to visit Europe. I especially want to visit Sweden. If I (get) to go to Sweden, I (stay) with my friend Gustav. His family has a house on an island in a lake near Stockholm. I am sure we (spend) a few days on the island if weather conditions (allow) .

I am not sure what other countries I will visit. If it (be) not too expensive, I (spend) a couple of days in Paris sightseeing. If I (go) to Paris, I (climb) the Eiffel Tower, (take) a boat tour of the Seine, and (photograph) daily life in the Latin Quarter.

Conditional Exercise 8
Future Real Conditional / Future Unreal Conditional
Using the words in parentheses, complete the text below with the appropriate conditional form.

1. Researchers are visiting Loch Ness next week to see if they can find signs of the Loch Ness Monster. I seriously doubt they will find anything. If they did actually manage to find something, I am sure they (become) world famous.

2. I am going to go to California next week on business. If I have enough time, I (visit) my friends in Los Angeles.

3. Sally has always been interested in pre-Columbian cultures. When she (go) to Mexico, she (visit) Chichen Itza, the most famous Mayan site in the Yucatan.

4. We are driving from Las Vegas to Death Valley next week by way of Pahrump, a town located on the edge of the infamous Area 51. Area 51 is well known for its UFO sightings. If I (see) any aliens, I will be sure to take a picture for you. Just kidding!

5. I am afraid I won’t be able to come to your wedding next week because my company is sending me to New York to attend a trade show. I (miss, never) your wedding if I (have) a choice in the matter.

6. I (interpret) for you at the conference tomorrow if I (be) not already scheduled to work at the UN. I have a friend who (do) it for you if she (be) not busy. Why don’t I give her a call to see what her schedule is like.

7. The mountain climbing team (attempt) to conquer Mount Everest next month if the weather conditions (be) suitable. I (join) them in the ascent if I (can) . Unfortunately, I broke my leg last month while training in Alaska.

8. If Sarah (go) to university, she (be) the first person in her family to get an advanced education. She has applied to many schools, but she really wants to go to MIT. If she (get) accepted to the university, she (move) to Boston to study astrophysics.

9. If mankind (do) not do something about the destruction of the rain forest, global warming (cause) dramatic changes in weather conditions all over the world.

10. Even if they managed to convince him to run for president in the next election, he (be, never) elected. His ideas are too dramatic and unconventional to be accepted by the mainstream.

Past Conditionals
Past Real Conditional
FORM
[If / When … Simple Past …, … Simple Past …]
[… Simple Past… if / when … Simple Past …]
USE
The Past Real Conditional describes what you used to do in particular real-life situations. It suggests that your habits have changed and you do not usually do these things today.
Examples:
If I went to a friend’s house for dinner, I usually took a bottle of wine or some flowers. I don’t do that anymore.
When I had a day off from work, I often went to the beach. Now, I never get time off.
If the weather was nice, she often walked to work. Now, she usually drives.
Jerry always helped me with my homework when he had time. But he doesn’t do that anymore.
A: What did you usually do when it rained?
B: I usually stayed at home.

IMPORTANT Used to
The form „used to“ expresses the idea that something was an old habit that stopped in the past. This form is commonly used in Past Real Conditional sentences to emphasize that something was a habit. The examples below have the same meaning as the examples above.
Examples:
If I went to a friend’s house for dinner, I used to take a bottle of wine or some flowers. I don’t do that anymore.
When I had a day off from work, I used to go to the beach. Now, I never get time off.
If the weather was nice, she used to walk to work. Now, she usually drives.
Jerry used to help me with my homework when he had time. But he doesn’t do that anymore.
A: What did you usually do when it rained?
B: I used to stay at home.

IMPORTANT If / When
Both „if“ and „when“ are used in the Past Real Conditional. Using „if“ suggests that something happened less frequently. Using „when“ suggests that something happened regularly.
Examples:
When I had a day off from work, I usually went to the beach.
I regularly had days off from work.
If I had a day off from work, I usually went to the beach.
I rarely had days off from work.

Past Unreal Conditional
FORM
[If … Past Perfect …, … would have + past participle … ]
[… would have + past participle … if … Past Perfect …]
USE
The Past Unreal Conditional is used to talk about imaginary situations in the past. You can describe what you would have done differently or how something could have happened differently if circumstances had been different.
Examples:
If I had owned a car, I would have driven to work. But I didn’t own one, so I took the bus.
She would have traveled around the world if she had had more money. But she didn’t have much money, so she never traveled.
I would have read more as a child if I hadn’t watched so much TV. Unfortunately, I did watch a lot of TV, so I never read for entertainment.
Mary would have gotten the job and moved to Japan if she had studied Japanese in school instead of French.
If Jack had worked harder, he would have earned more money. Unfortunately, he was lazy and he didn’t earn much.
A: What would you have done if you had won the lottery last week?
B: I would have bought a house.
A: What city would you have chosen if you had decided to move to the United States?
B: I would have chosen Seattle.

IMPORTANT Only use „If“
Only the word „if“ is used with the Past Unreal Conditional because you are discussing imaginary situations. „When“ cannot be used.
Examples:
I would have bought that computer when it had been cheaper. Not Correct
I would have bought that computer if it had been cheaper. Correct

EXCEPTION Conditional with Modal Verbs
There are some special conditional forms for modal verbs in English:
would have + can = could have
would have + shall = should have
would have + may = might have
The words „can,“ „shall“ and „may“ cannot be used with „would have.“ Instead, they must be used in these special forms.
Examples:
If I had gone to Egypt, I could have learned Arabic.
If she had had time, she might have gone to the party.
The words „could,“ should,“ „might“ and „ought to“ include Conditional, so you cannot combine them with „would have.“
Examples:
If I had had more time, I could have exercised after work.
If he had invited you, you might have gone.
Conditional Exercise 4
Past Unreal Conditional
Using the words in parentheses, complete the text below with the appropriate conditional form.

After I graduated from university, I applied for a marketing position with a prominent bank with branches all over the world. I didn’t get the job because they wanted someone who spoke Spanish fluently. I (could, take) Spanish in high school, but I didn’t. I took an acting class instead. If I (take) Spanish, I (get) the job. Just imagine, if I had actually gotten the job, I (move) to Spain. My entire life (could, go) in a totally different direction. If I had accepted the job and moved to Spain, I (might, meet) a Spanish woman and (get) married. If that had actually happened, I probably (stay) in Spain. We (might, have) children. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the job and I didn’t go to Spain. I got a boring job and I live alone. If I had just taken Spanish, my life (be) much more interesting.
Past Conditionals

Conditional Exercise 5
Past Real Conditional / Past Unreal Conditional
Using the words in parentheses, complete the text below with the appropriate conditional form.

Clarence: Mary, have you ever had a teacher who changed your life or influenced you greatly?

Mary: Yes. But the teacher influenced me in a very negative way. I have always had problems with math, and I think it comes from my seventh grade math teacher, Mr. Harris. He thought girls couldn’t do math. When any girl (ask) a question, he always (sigh) and (say) , „Girls can’t do math. It’s a well-known fact.“ When a boy (ask) a question, he (smile) and (ask) for his answer.

Clarence: That’s terrible! Your teacher actually said that to you?

Mary: Yes. If he ever did let me answer a question, and I actually got it right, he always (say) that it was a lucky guess.

Clarence: Your parents (should, do) something about him. They (could, go) to the principle of the school and complained about the way Mr. Harris treated the girls. If you (be) my child, I (demand) that such an irresponsible teacher be fired.

Mary: You’re right! If somebody (force) Mr. Harris to treat the children equally, I (become) more confident in math. His behavior (might, affect) every girl in that class.

Clarence: It might have. I’m glad our children don’t have teachers like that!

Conditional Exercise 6
Present Unreal Conditional / Past Unreal Conditional
Using the words in parentheses, complete the text below with the appropriate conditional form.

1. If I (have) enough money, I (backpack) around Europe. But, unfortunately, I am broke.

2. If I (have) enough money in my twenties, I (backpack) around Europe. But, unfortunately, I was broke.

3. She would have been here earlier if she (miss, not) the train.

4. Thank you for helping me study. If you hadn’t tutored me, I (fail) the test.

5. If I exercised more, I (be) much more fit and I (have, not) so many health problems.

6. It’s too bad Frank isn’t with us. If he (be) here, he (can, translate) the letter for us.

7. Stop asking me what Joe bought you for your birthday. Even if I (know) what he bought you, I (tell, not) you.

8. My business trip to California was only two days. If the trip (be) longer, I (visit) my friends in Los Angeles.

9. I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were allergic to chocolate. If I (know) , I (make) you a vanilla birthday cake.

10. Did you hear that Margaret won $2,000 in Las Vegas, and she used the money to buy a new washing machine and dryer? How boring! If I (win) that much money, I (go) to Tahiti for a couple of weeks.

11. Sally’s alarm didn’t go off, and she was almost late to the interview. If she (arrive) late, she (might, not, get) the job.

12. Jane is polite and well mannered. She (say, never) anything rude or insulting. That is just the kind of person she is.

13. Martha said that Paul called Nick a jerk at the party. I don’t believe that! Paul is polite and well mannered. He (say, never) anything rude or insulting like that.

14. Penny’s baby daughter almost drank some of the furniture polish which was sitting on the coffee table. If she (drink, actually) the polish, she (could, get) sick or even died.

15. If I (can, go) anywhere in the world, I (go) to Egypt to see the pyramids.

Continuous Conditionals
You should be familiar with continuous verb tenses such as Present Continuous, Past Continuous, Future Continuous, Present Perfect Continuous, Past Perfect Continuous, and Future Perfect Continuous. But many English learners are not aware of the fact that we can use continuousness in imaginary situations as well. Study the examples below to learn how to create continuous Unreal Conditional sentences that will make you sound like a native speaker.

Present Unreal Conditional + Continuous
FORM
If-clause: [were + present participle]
Result: [would be + present participle]
USE
Present Unreal Conditional + Continuous is used to discuss imaginary situations which could be happening at this very moment.
Examples in the if-clause:
If the sun were shining, I would go to the beach.
Unfortunately, it is raining so I can’t go.
If Sam were sitting here, we would be able to ask him the question ourselves.
But Sam is not sitting here. He is somewhere else.
We would be able to go sailing if the wind were blowing.
But there is no wind, so we can’t go sailing.
Examples in the result:
If I were in Hawaii, I would be lying on the beach.
But I am not in Hawaii.
If my grandfather were here, he would be talking about the war.
But he is not here.
I would be rafting down the Colorado River right now if my leg weren’t broken.
But my leg is broken, so I am not there.

Past Unreal Conditional + Continuous
FORM
If-clause: [had been + present participle]
Result: [would have been + present participle]
USE
Past Unreal Conditional + Continuous is used to discuss imaginary situations happening at a very specific time in the past or over a period of time in the past.
Examples in the if-clause:
If I had been talking to him when he said that, I would have punched him in the face.
But I wasn’t talking to him when he said that.
If he had been standing near the house when the wall collapsed, it would have killed him.
Luckily, he moved away before the wall fell.
Examples in the result:
If you had gone to his house last night, he would have been sitting on his couch in front of the TV.
But you didn’t go to his house, so you didn’t see what he was doing.
If she had missed her train, he would have been waiting for her at the station for hours.
Luckily, she caught her train and he didn’t have to wait.

NOTICE that the Past Unreal Conditional + Continuous can be used like the Past Continuous in imaginary situations to emphasize interruptions or parallel actions in the past.
Examples in the if-clause:
If James had been crossing the street when the car ran the red light, it would have hit him.
If Tom had been studying while Becky was making dinner, he would have finished his homework early and they could have gone to the movie.
Examples in the result:
If James hadn’t stopped to tie his shoe, he would have been crossing the street when the car ran the red light.
If you had gone to their house last night, Bob would have been reading the newspaper, Nancy would have been talking on the phone and the kids would have been watching TV. They always do the same things.

NOTICE that Past Unreal Conditional + Continuous can also be used like Present Perfect Continuous or Past Perfect Continuous in imaginary situations to emphasize a duration of time.
Examples in the if-clause:
Scott said he had been studying Greek for more than five years. If he had been studying the language that long, I think he would have been able to interpret for us at the airport.
Sarah claimed she had been waiting in the rain for more than twenty minutes by the time we arrived, but she wasn’t even wet. If she had been waiting that long, I think she would have been totally drenched by the time we arrived.
Examples in the result:
Terry’s plane arrived ahead of schedule. If I hadn’t decided to go to the airport early, she would have been waiting there for more than twenty minutes before I arrived.
At the travel agency yesterday, I waited for more than an hour for somebody to help me. Finally, I got up and left. If I hadn’t decided to leave, I would have been sitting there forever.

Future Unreal Conditional + Continuous
FORM
If-clause: [were + present participle]
Result: [would be + present participle]
USE
Future Unreal Conditional + Continuous can be used like the Future Continuous in imaginary situations to emphasize interruptions or parallel actions in the future.
NOTICE The future form looks the same as the present form. The future is indicated with words such as „tomorrow,“ „next week“ or „in a couple of days.“
Examples in the if-clause:
If I were waiting there next week when he gets off the plane, he would be totally surprised.
But I will not be waiting there, so he won’t be surprised.
If he were staying in that hotel next week while the conference is being held, he might be able to meet some of the key speakers and tell them about our new product.
I don’t think he will be able to stay at the hotel, so he won’t be able to meet anybody there.
Examples in the result:
If I were able to go to the train station tonight to meet Sandra, I would be standing on the platform waiting for her when she arrives.
I won’t be able to go to the train station, so I will not be standing there when she arrives.
If you went over to Paul’s house after work, he would probably be sitting there at his computer surfing the Internet.
But you won’t go over.

Conditional Exercise 9
Continuous Conditional Forms
Using the words in parentheses, complete the text below with the appropriate conditional form.

1. They canceled all the flights out of Chicago today because of the blizzard. If it (snow, not) so hard, I would not be stuck in the airport.

2. Charles arrived late again to work yesterday. He came running into the office complaining of car problems, but everyone knew it was a lie. If the boss (stand) there when he showed up, I am sure he would have been fired.

3. If I were in Hawaii right now, I (sunbathe) on a beach. I would not be stuck here in this office with mountains of paperwork.

4. John is so incredibly lazy! If we went over to his house right now, I bet he (lie) on the couch with some pizza in one hand and a remote control in the other.

5. If I were a millionaire, I (work, not) here in this factory. I (shop) in Paris, (ski) in Innsbruck or (sail) the Mediterranean on my super yacht.

6. I wish we had time to organize a surprise party for Linda. If all of her friends (sit) in her apartment waiting for her when she gets home from work tomorrow, she would be so surprised!

7. If she (stay) in that hotel next week while the trade show is being held, she might be able to meet some contacts and tell them about our new line of computer software.

8. When Mike came home yesterday, he claimed he had been jogging. I didn’t believe a word he said. If he had really been jogging, he (sweat) or at least out of breath. I think he went down to the coffee shop and had a donut.

9. Jane’s plane arrived a half an hour ahead of schedule. If we hadn’t decided to go to the airport early, she (wait) there a long time before we arrived.

10. If Sam hadn’t stopped to pick up that quarter, he (cross) the street when the car ran the red light. He could have been killed!

11. When I went up to the cash register to pay for the Coke, the lady behind the counter was talking to a friend of hers on the phone. I waited and waited until I finally had to demand that she help me. If I hadn’t said anything, I (wait) there for hours.

12. I am looking out the window right now and I see children playing soccer and hide-and-go-seek in the street. If it were winter, it would be too cold to play outside. All the kids would be indoors. They (watch) TV, (read) books or (play) board games with their friends.

13. If Bob (stand, not) behind us right now, I would tell you what happened. Just wait until he leaves, and I’ll tell you the whole story.

14. Did you hear about the bomb the terrorists planted on the plane yesterday? A bag full of plastic explosives was in the cargo bay. Luckily, nobody was hurt. The plane with the bomb was having some engine problems so the passengers had to disembark. If they hadn’t had difficulties with the engine, the passengers (sit) in the plane when the bomb went off. Talk about a miracle!

15. If you went to the studio early tomorrow morning, you (wait) there when the actors arrive for work. I’m sure you could get ten or twenty autographs that way.

Mixed Conditionals
Those of you who have been following the Conditional Tutorial should now be familiar with present, past and future conditional verb forms. Sometimes Unreal Conditional sentences are mixed. This means that the time in the if-clause is not the same as the time in the result. Study the examples below to learn how to mix conditional verb forms like a native speaker.
Verbs in green are in the Present Unreal Conditional.
Verbs in red are in the Past Unreal Conditional.
Verbs in purple are in the Future Unreal Conditional.
Mixed Conditional Patterns
PAST PRESENT
Examples:
If I had won the lottery, I would be rich.
But I didn’t win the lottery in the past and I am not rich now.
If I had taken French in high school, I would have more job opportunities.
But I didn’t take French in high school and I don’t have many job opportunities.
If she had been born in the United States, she wouldn’t need a visa to work here.
But she wasn’t born in the United States and she does need a visa now to work here.
PAST FUTURE
Examples:
If she had signed up for the ski trip last week, she would be joining us tomorrow.
But she didn’t sign up for the ski trip last week and she isn’t going to join us tomorrow.
If Mark had gotten the job instead of Joe, he would be moving to Shanghai.
But Mark didn’t get the job and Mark is not going to move to Shanghai.
If Darren hadn’t wasted his Christmas bonus gambling in Las Vegas, he would go to Mexico with us next month.
But Darren wasted his Christmas bonus gambling in Las Vegas and he won’t go to Mexico with us next month.
PRESENT PAST
Examples:
If I were rich, I would have bought that Ferrari we saw yesterday.
But I am not currently rich and that is why I didn’t buy the Ferrari yesterday.
If Sam spoke Russian, he would have translated the letter for you.
But Sam doesn’t speak Russian and that is why he didn’t translate the letter.
If I didn’t have to work so much, I would have gone to the party last night.
But I have to work a lot and that is why I didn’t go to the party last night.
PRESENT FUTURE
Examples:
If I didn’t have so much vacation time, I wouldn’t go with you on the cruise to Alaska next week.
But I do have a lot of vacation time and I will go on the trip next week.
If Cindy were more creative, the company would send her to New York to work on the new advertising campaign.
But Cindy is not creative and the company won’t send her to New York to work on the new campaign.
If Dan weren’t so nice, he wouldn’t be tutoring you in math tonight.
But Dan is nice and he is going to tutor you tonight.
FUTURE PAST
Examples:
If I weren’t going on my business trip next week, I would have accepted that new assignment at work.
But I am going to go on a business trip next week, and that is why I didn’t accept that new assignment at work.
If my parents weren’t coming this weekend, I would have planned a nice trip just for the two of us to Napa Valley.
But my parents are going to come this weekend, and that is why I didn’t plan a trip for the two of us to Napa Valley.
If Donna weren’t making us a big dinner tonight, I would have suggested that we go to that nice Italian restaurant.
But she is going to make us a big dinner tonight, and that is why I didn’t suggest that we go to that nice Italian restaurant.
FUTURE PRESENT
Examples:
If I were going to that concert tonight, I would be very excited.
But I am not going to go to that concert tonight and that is why I am not excited.
If Sandy were giving a speech tomorrow, she would be very nervous.
But Sandy is not going to give a speech tomorrow and that is why she in not nervous.
If Seb didn’t come with us to the desert, everyone would be very disappointed.
But Seb will come with us to the desert and that is why everyone is so happy.

Conditional Exercise 10
Mixed Conditionals
Using the words in parentheses, complete the text below following the example given with the appropriate conditional form, then click the „Check“ button to check your answers.
Top of Form
1.a. She will take care of the children for us next weekend because her business trip was canceled.
1.b. But, she (take, not) would not be taking care of the children for us next weekend if her business trip (be, not) had not been canceled.

2.a. Tom is not going to come to dinner tomorrow because you insulted him yesterday.
2.b. But, he (come) if you (insult) him.

3.a. Marie is unhappy because she gave up her career when she got married.
3.b. But, Marie (be) happy if she (give, not) up her career when she got married.

4.a. Dr. Mercer decided not to accept the research grant at Harvard because he is going to take six months off to spend more time with his family.
4.b. But, Dr. Mercer (accept) the research grant at Harvard if he (take, not) six months off to spend more time with his family.

5.a. Professor Schmitz talked so much about the Maasai tribe because she is an expert on African tribal groups.
5.b. But, Professor Schmitz (talk, not) so much about the Maasai tribe if she (be, not) an expert on African tribal groups.

6.a. I am unemployed because I had a disagreement with my boss and I was fired.
6.b. But, I (be, not) unemployed if I (have, not) a disagreement with my boss and I (be, not) fired.

7.a. Nicole speaks Chinese fluently because she lived in China for ten years.
7.b. But, Nicole (speak, not) Chinese fluently if she (live, not) in China for ten years.

8.a. I will not help you study for your test because you have spent the last two weeks partying and wasting time.
8.b. But, I (help) you study for your test if you (spend, not) the last two weeks partying and wasting time.

9.a. Eleanor and Ben are not going skiing with us this year because Eleanor just had a baby.
9.b. But, Eleanor and Ben (go) skiing with us this year if Eleanor (have, not, just) a baby.

10.a. I am completely exhausted, so I will not go with you to the movies tonight.
10.b. But, if I (be, not) completely exhausted, I (go) with you to the movies tonight.

11.a. She is not worried about the conference tomorrow because she is not giving a speech.
11.b. But, she (be) worried about the conference tomorrow if she (give) a speech.

12.a. Frank is not going to the graduation ceremony because he broke his leg snowboarding last week.
12.b. But, Frank (go) to the graduation ceremony if he (break) his leg snowboarding last week.

13.a. They are not releasing the prisoner next month because there was so much public opposition to his parole.
13.b. But, they (release) the prisoner next month if there (be) so much opposition to his parole.

14.a. The hotels filled up months in advance because the festival is going to include jazz artists from around the globe.
14.b. But, the hotels (fill) up months in advance if the festival (include) jazz artists from around the globe.

15.a. We are not worried about the recent string of robberies in the neighborhood because the police have started regularly patrolling the area.
15.b. But, we (be) worried about the recent string of robberies in the neighborhood if the police (start, not) regularly patrolling the area.

Were To
„Were to“ in the Present
FORM
[If … were to + verb …, …]
USE
„Were to“ can be used in the present to emphasize that the conditional form is extremely unlikely or unthinkably horrible. Notice that this special form is only used in the if-clause.
Examples:
If she were to be rich, she would be horribly obnoxious.
It is very unlikely that she would be rich.
If I were to have no friends, who would I spend my time with?
Having no friends is a horrible thought.
If Nathan were to be my boss, this job would be intolerable.
Nathan’s being my boss is a horrible concept.
„Were to“ in the Future
FORM
[If … were to + verb …, …]
USE
„Were to“ can be used in the future to emphasize that the conditional form is extremely unlikely or unthinkably horrible. Notice that this special form is only used in the if-clause.
Examples:
If I were to lose my job next year, I would probably not find a new one quickly.
Loosing my job would be terrible.
If he were to fail his driving test tomorrow, he would have to take it again.
He is not likely to fail his driving test.
If Sarah were to show up late to the birthday party, it would ruin the surprise.
Sarah will surely come on time.

„Were to“ in the Past
FORM
[If … were to have + past participle …, …]
USE
„Were to“ can be used in the past to emphasize that the conditional form is extremely unlikely or unthinkably horrible. Notice that this special form is only used in the if-clause.
Examples:
If the fire were to have destroyed the building, it would have been a tragic cultural loss.
The thought of such a loss is too horrible to consider.
If the dam were to have burst, the entire town would have been destroyed.
Such destruction is too horrible to consider.
If Sarah were to have failed the final test, she would have lost her scholarship.
She is an excellent student, and it is very unlikely that she would have failed the test.

Conditional Exercise 11
„Were to“ in Past, Present and Future
Using the words in parentheses, complete the text below with the appropriate conditional form, then click the „Check“ button to check your answers.
Top of Form
1. She loves her husband. If she (get) a divorce, it would devastate her.

2. If they (tear) down that old opera house, we would not have any historical architecture left in the city.

3. If the hurricane (hit) Miami, thousands of people might have lost their lives.

4. I can’t stand him. If he (be) hired, I would quit.

5. I have no fire insurance. If my house (burn) down, I would have no way to buy new furniture.

6. If he (be) found guilty, he would have gone to jail for 30 years.

7. If the airlines (cancel) the flight, I would never make it to the family reunion on time.

8. He was not wearing a motorcycle helmet. If he (crash) into that car, he would have been killed.

9. If the government (increase) income tax, I would not be able to survive.

10. If I (lose) my job, I would use the Internet to find a new one.

Conditional Final Test
All Conditional Forms
Using the words in parentheses, complete the text below with the appropriate conditional form, then click the „Check“ button to check your answers.
Top of Form
1. (If / When) I leave work, I usually go to the fitness center to work out.

2. She hates TV. She thinks television is a waste of time. (If / When) she watches any television at all, it is usually a documentary or a news program.

3. My friend always keeps in touch by mail. (If / When) I get a letter, I usually write back immediately.

4. If I (have) enough money, I (go) on safari to Kenya. However, my bank account is empty!

5. I love to travel! When I (have) enough money, I (go) abroad. I do it almost every year.

6. I really wanted to go on safari to Kenya with my friends, but I couldn’t afford to go. If I (have) enough money, I (go) with them.

7. I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were allergic to chocolate. If I (know) , I (make) you a vanilla birthday cake.

8. Stop asking me what Amanda bought you for Christmas. Even if I (know) what she bought you, I (tell, not) you.

9. Nobody here speaks English. Too bad Gloria isn’t here. If she (be) with us, she (can) act as our interpreter.

10. I am afraid I won’t be able to come to your wedding next week because my company is sending me to New York to attend a trade show. I (miss, never) your wedding if I (have) a choice in the matter.

11. If the weather is nice tomorrow, she (walk) along the river to school.

12. If you help me move tomorrow, I (treat) you to a dinner and a movie.

13. If you were to help me move tomorrow, I (treat) you to a dinner and a movie.

14. If I were in Tahiti right now, I (snorkel) along a beautiful reef. I wouldn’t be stuck here in this office with mountains of paperwork.

15. If Jerry hadn’t stopped to pick up that quarter, he (cross) the street when the bus ran the red light. He might have been killed!

16. Tina’s train arrived ahead of schedule. If I hadn’t decided to go to the train station early, she (wait) there for more than twenty minutes before I arrived.

17. If I (pass) the test, I (get) an „A“ in the class. Instead, I got a „C.“ I really should have studied more.

18. If I (be) rich, I (buy) that new Mercedes we saw yesterday. Unfortunately, I can’t even afford a used car.

19. We (go) skiing this weekend, but there’s no snow. Oh, well! We will just have to find something else to do instead.

20. If Heather spoke Chinese, she (translate) the email for you yesterday.