IS. Conditionals

Дата публикации: Jun 25, 2016 9:25:22 AM

see Conditional/Time Clauses

YN. Conditionals

English conditional sentences (Wiki)

Hardly had she sat down when ... (эмфатическая инверсия) (Speech patterns)

IS. Conditionals p.2. Mixed ones

GIR. U2. Tales of the Five Towns Commentary

GIR. U2. Additional texts

Conditional Overview with Examples

Present Real Conditional

If I have time, I study English.

Sometimes I have time.

Past Real Conditional

If I had time, I studied English.

Sometimes I had time.

Future Real Conditional

If I have time, I will study English.

If I have time, I am going to study English.

I don't know if I will have time or not.

Other forms possible.

Present Unreal Conditional

If I had time, I would study English.

I don't have time.

Past Unreal Conditional

If I had time, I would study English.

I didn't have time.

Future Unreal Conditional

If I had had time, I would have studied English.

I won't have time.

Other forms possible.

from URL

Conditional Sentence Type 1

→ It is possible and also very likely that the condition will be fulfilled.

Form: if + Simple Present, will-Future

Example: If I find her address, I’ll send her an invitation.

if + Simple Present, will-Future

Example: If I find her address, I will send her an invitation.

The main clause can also be at the beginning of the sentence. In this case, don't use a comma.

Example: I will send her an invitation if I find her address.

Note: Main clause and / or if clause might be negative. See Simple Present und will-Future on how to form negative sentences.

Example: If I don’t see him this afternoon, I will phone him in the evening.

Conditional Sentences Type I refer to the future. An action in the future will only happen if a certain condition is fulfilled by that time. We don't know for sure whether the condition actually will be fulfilled or not, but the conditions seems rather realistic – so we think it is likely to happen.

Example: If I find her address, I’ll send her an invitation.

I want to send an invitation to a friend. I just have to find her address. I am quite sure, however, that I will find it.

Example: If John has the money, he will buy a Ferrari.

I know John very well and I know that he earns a lot of money and that he loves Ferraris. So I think it is very likely that sooner or later he will have the money to buy a Ferrari.

Conditional Sentence Type 2

→ It is possible but very unlikely, that the condition will be fulfilled.

Form: if + Simple Past, Conditional I (= would + Infinitive)

Example: If I found her address, I would send her an invitation.

if + Simple Past, main clause with Conditional I (= would + Infinitive)

Example: If I found her address, I would send her an invitation.

The main clause can also be at the beginning of the sentence. In this case, don't use a comma.

Example: I would send her an invitation if I found her address.

Note: Main clause and / or if clause might be negative. See Simple Past und Conditional I on how to form negative sentences.

Example: If I had a lot of money, I wouldn’t stay here.

Were instead of Was

In IF Clauses Type II, we usually use ‚were‘ – even if the pronoun is I, he, she or it –.

Example: If I were you, I would not do this.

Use

Conditional Sentences Type II refer to situations in the present. An action could happen if the present situation were different. I don't really expect the situation to change, however. I just imagine „what would happen if …“

Example: If I found her address, I would send her an invitation.

I would like to send an invitation to a friend. I have looked everywhere for her address, but I cannot find it. So now I think it is rather unlikely that I will eventually find her address.

Example: If John had the money, he would buy a Ferrari.

I know John very well and I know that he doesn't have much money, but he loves Ferraris. He would like to own a Ferrari (in his dreams). But I think it is very unlikely that he will have the money to buy one in the near future.

Conditional Sentence Type 3

→ It is impossible that the condition will be fulfilled because it refers to the past.

Form: if + Past Perfect, Conditional II (= would + have + Past Participle)

Example: If I had found her address, I would have sent her an invitation.

if + Past Perfect, main clause with Conditional II

Example: If I had found her address, I would have sent her an invitation.

The main clause can also be at the beginning of the sentence. In this case, don't use a comma.

Example: I would have sent her an invitation if I had found her address.

Note: Main clause and / or if clause might be negative. See Past Perfect and Conditional II on how to form negative sentences.

Example: If I hadn’t studied, I wouldn’t have passed my exams.

Conditional Sentences Type III refer to situations in the past. An action could have happened in the past if a certain condition had been fulfilled. Things were different then, however. We just imagine, what would have happened if the situation had been fulfilled.

Example: If I had found her address, I would have sent her an invitation.

Sometime in the past, I wanted to send an invitation to a friend. I didn't find her address, however. So in the end I didn't send her an invitation.

Example: If John had had the money, he would have bought a Ferrari.

I knew John very well and I know that he never had much money, but he loved Ferraris. He would have loved to own a Ferrari, but he never had the money to buy one.

Conditionals: other expressions (unless, should, as long as)

Unless

Conditional clauses can begin with unless. Unless means something similar to ‘if … not’ or ‘except if’.

The verb forms in the examples are similar to sentences with if: we use the present simple in the unless-clause and shall, should, will, would, can, could, may or might in the main clause:

Unless I phone you, you can assume the train’s on time. (If I do not phone you /except if I phone you, you can assume the train is on time.)

We’ll have to cancel the show unless we sell more tickets at the last minute. (We’ll have to cancel the show if we do not sell more tickets/except if we sell more tickets

at the last minute.)

Warning: We don’t use unless for impossible conditions:

If the government had not raised food prices, there would not have been so many protests.

Not: Unless the government had raised food prices …

Warning: We don’t use unless and if together:

We’ll go to the coast tomorrow unless it rains.

Not: We’ll go to the coast tomorrow unless if it rains.

Should you (Should with inversion)

In formal situations, we can use should + subject (s) + verb (v) instead of if:

Should you wish to cancel your order, please contact our customer service department on 02317 6658932. (or If you should wish to cancel your order …)

Should your child become anxious or nervous about any activity, it is a good idea to inform the team-leader. (or If your child should become …)

Had you (Had with inversion)

In formal situations, we can use had + subject + verb instead of if in third conditional sentences:

Had I known you were waiting outside, I would have invited you to come in. (If I had known you were waiting outside …)

Had Margaret realised she would be travelling alone, she would never have agreed to go.

If + were to

In formal situations, we can use if + were to when we talk about things that might happen but which we think are unlikely:

If the Prime Minister were to resign, there would have to be a general election within 30 days.

In even more formal styles, we use were + subject-verb inversion + to-infinitive:

[V]Were [S]we [to -INF]to give up the fight now, it would mean the end of democracy in our country. (If we gave up the fight now …)

[V]Were [S]the economy [to -INF]to slow down too quickly, there would be major problems. (If the economy slowed down too quickly …)

As long as, so long as, providing, etc.

Sometimes we need to impose specific conditions or set limits on a situation. In these cases, conditional clauses can begin with phrases such as as long as, so long as, only if, on condition that, providing (that),provided (that).

As long as is more common in speaking; so long as and on condition thatare more formal and more common in writing:

[to a group of children] You can play in the living room as long as you don’t make a mess.

So long as a tiger stands still, it is invisible in the jungle.

The bank lent the company 100,000 pounds on condition that they repaid the money within six months.

Providing (that) is more common in speaking; provided (that) is more formal and more common in written language:

[talking about rail travel in the UK] You can get a senior citizen’s reduction providing you’ve got a railcard.

They may do whatever they like provided that it is within the law.

Or and otherwise

We often use or and otherwise with conditional meanings:

You’ve got to start studying, or you’ll fail all those exams. (If you don’t start studying, you will fail the exams.)

[talking about sending a package by mail] We’d better send it express, otherwise it’ll take days. (If we do not send it express, it will take days.)

Supposing

Supposing may be used with a conditional meaning. It can be used in first, second or third conditional sentences. The speaker invites the listener to imagine a situation:

Supposing I don’t arrive till after midnight, will the guest-house still be open? (Imagine if I don’t arrive till after midnight …)

Supposing you lost your passport, you’d have to go to the embassy, wouldn’t you?

Supposing he hadn’t recognised us – he might never have spoken to us.

But for + reason

But for is used to introduce the reason why something didn’t happen:

But for the traffic, I would have been here an hour ago. (The traffic was very heavy – if it weren’t for the traffic, I’d have been here an hour ago.)

They would have been badly injured but for the fact that they were wearing seat belts. (They were wearing seat belts – if it weren’t for the fact that they were wearing seat belts, they would have been badly injured.)

If only

We use if only to express a strong wish that things could be different. It means the same as I wish but is stronger. We use it to talk about past, present and future unreal conditions.

We use if only + past verb forms to talk about a wish for the present:

If only he knew the truth. (he doesn’t know the truth, but he wishes he did)

Not: If only he knows the truth.

If only there was something she could do or say to help.

Not: If only there is something she could do or say to help.

We sometimes use were instead of was in more formal situations:

If only she weren’t so tired. (If only she wasn’t so tired.)

To talk about a wish for the future or to show a contrast between how things are and how we would like them to be, we use if only + would + infinitive without to:

If only someone would buy the house.

If only they would talk to each other.

We use if only + past perfect to talk about a wish to change something that has already happened:

If only he had listened to what his friends had been telling him. (He didn’t listen.)

If only Anna had been able to come. (Anna wasn’t able to come.)

Suppose, supposing and what if

Suggestions

We use suppose, supposing and what if + present verb form to make suggestions about what might happen:

A: What time shall we meet?

B: Suppose we meet in the offices downstairs at four o’clock?

A: That’s perfect. I’ll let the others know.

Supposing I don’t bring my car and you and I travel together. That would save us half the cost of petrol and parking.

A: The electricity has gone. There must be a power cut.

B: What if we find the candles and put them around the room?

A: Okay. Good idea. Do you know where they are?

Possibility

When we are less certain, we use suppose, supposing and what if + past form to talk about future possibility:

Suppose we asked Mary to baby-sit? Do you think she’d do it? (not as certain as Suppose we ask Mary to baby-sit?)

Supposing someone else wrote the essay. How would we know? (not as certain as Supposing someone else writes the essay …)

A: What if I gave up working full-time. I’d love that.

B: You’re joking surely!!

When we refer to something that did not happen (something hypothetical), we use the past perfect:

Suppose we hadn’t brought our umbrellas. (We did bring our umbrellas.)

Supposing they had closed the road. Would that have been a good idea? (They didn’t close the road.)

What if I had accidentally told Maria about the party! That would have ruined the surprise. (I didn’t tell Maria about the party.)

Warning: We use be supposed to to talk about obligations and arrangements, not suggestions.

You are supposed to put money in the parking meter!

Inversion in conditional sentences

Mr Smolin from Poland writes: Is it true that Hadn't it been for?...(as an alternative to Had it not been for?...) is incorrect?

Roger Woodham replies:

Had it not rained

Yes, it is correct that we cannot use a contracted negative form when we use inverted word order to express unreal or impossible condition in the past. Instead, we are obliged to use the full form of not:

Had it not rained last Saturday, we would've celebrated Tom's birthday with a barbecue in the garden.

Had you not refused my invitation, you would've had the best holiday ever.

Of course, had we used the more normal if-clause to express this conditional idea, the contracted negative form would have been the norm:

If only it hadn't rained last Saturday, we would've had a wonderful holiday in the garden.

If you hadn't been so stupid as to refuse my invitation, you could've travelled to see all the wonders of the world.

Note that we use these tense forms to talk about something that might have happened, but didn't:

If it had stayed fine, they would've celebrated the birthday in the garden.

If she had accepted the invitation, she would've seen all the wonders of the world.

Should you not wish to

Note that we can also use the inversion structure with should when we are talking about present and future conditions and, again, negative forms are not contracted:

Should you not wish to sign the contract, you must let them know before the end of June.

Should you change your mind about selling the car, I'd be happy to buy it from you.

Note that use of should here has nothing to do with obligation, but is simply an alternative to the present simple in the more normal if-clause:

If you don't want to go ahead and sign the contract, please try to let them know before the end of this month.

If you (do) change your mind about selling the car, I'd be happy to buy it from you.

Were we to have children

Finally, inversion is possible, though I think less common, with this form of the conditional when we are talking about the improbable future. Again negative forms are not contracted:

Were we to have children, we'd need to move to a bigger house.

Were she not my daughter, I'd have no hesitation in phoning the police.

The more normal if-clause is here quite straightforward:

If we were to have children, we'd certainly need to move to a larger house.

If she weren't my daughter, I'd have no hesitation in phoning the police and telling them about the crime that has been committed.

We use the inversion strategy when we want what we are saying to sound more carefully considered and it is also characteristic of more formal and literary styles.

In your example, Mr Smolin, we can also use the construction But for..., meaning Except for?, as an alternative to Had it not been for? or Were it not for?:

Had it not been for his foresight in ensuring everybody had lifejackets, everyone on board would have drowned.

But for his foresight, everyone on board the yacht would have drowned.

Were it not for your kindness, I'd still be living in that tiny bed-sit in the town centre.

But for your kindness, I'd still be stuck in that tiny flat in the town centre.

Exercise 1 Express the same idea using a complex sentence with the conjunctions if, before, when, after, in case, unless.

1. She'll have to go through the customs, then she'll be allowed to get on board the plane.

If/in case she goes through the customs, she'll be allowed to get on board the plane.

Unless she goes through the customs, she won't be allowed to get on board the plane.

- She has to go through the customs before she'll be allowed to get on board the plane

- After/when she goes through the customs, she'll be allowed to get on board the plane.

2. You'll have to produce your ID paper, otherwise you won't get a parcel.

If/in case you produce your ID paper, you will get a parcel.

Unless you produce your ID paper, you won't get a parcel.

3. Be allowed to take part in the boat-race Jerry will have to undergo a thorough check up.

If/in case Jerry undergoes a thorough check up, he will be allowed to take part in the boat-race.

Unless Jerry undergoes a thorough check up, he won't be allowed to take part in the boat-race.

4. Maybe the photo will not come out. Then you'll have to take another picture.

If/in case the photo doesn't come out, you'll have to take another picture.

Unless the photo comes out, you'll have to take another picture.

5. Glen must do what the doctor says, otherwise he will never get better.

Unless Glen does what the doctor says, he will never get better.

If/in case Glen doesn't do what the doctor says, he will never get better.

6. Pay the money. You won't be admitted without paying the entrance fee.

Unless you pay the money, you won't be admitted to entering.

If/in case you don't pay the money, you won't be admitted to entering.

7. First make an appointment.The doctor won't see you without it.

The doctor will see you if you make an appointment.

Unless you make an appointment, doctor won't see you.

8. You'll have to give Stefen another proof. Only then he will believe you.

If/in case you give Stefen another proof, he will believe you.

Unless you give Stefen another proof, he won't believe you.

9. Leave him a note. Otherwise he won't know where you will be.

If you leave him a note, he will know where you will be.

10. You'd better keep to a diet, otherwise you will develop complications.

Unless you keep to a diet, you will develop complications.

11. Jane had better cut out the ad from the newspaper, otherwise she may forget the address.

If Jane cuts out the ad from the newspaper, she won't forget the address.

Unless Jane cut out the ad from the newspaper, she may forget the address.

thorough adjective BrE /ˈθʌrə/ ; NAmE /ˈθɜːroʊ/

1. done completely; with great attention to detail

a thorough knowledge of the subject

The police carried out a thorough investigation.

You will need a thorough understanding of the subject.

2. [not usually before noun] (of a person) doing things very carefully and with great attention to detail

She's very thorough and conscientious.

He was determined to be thorough in his research.

3. (British English, informal) used to emphasize how bad or annoying somebody/something is

synonym complete

Everything was in a thorough mess.

1. прил.

1) исчерпывающий, полный, основательный, всесторонний, доскональный; тщательный

2)

а) законченный, полный, завершённый

б) совершенный, абсолютный

Exercise 2 Fill in the blancs with the appropriate tense forms.

1. I honestly think it will be better if we don't see each other for awhile. (to be, to see — negative) (Hansford Johnson)

2. If you are not already married, Mr. Clay, I will wait for you. (to be — negative, to wait) (Stone)

3. Now if only Betty is able to come this evening she will do it. But, of course, she had to choose this evening to go and see her mother, (to be, to do) (A. Wilson)

4. If he is ordinary, I won't love him (to be, to love — negative) (Galsworthy)

If he were ordinary, I wouldn't love him

5. And if anything happens to him, there will be something in the Press, (to happen, to be) (Priestley)

6. I believed it a few months ago, Mr. Chapin. (to believe) (Dreiser) <- из другого упражнения

7. If I were you, I think I would feel very much as you do. (to be, to feel) (Snow)

8. You first brought your friend into my sister's company, and but for you we would have never seen him. (to see) (Dickens)

9. I certainly won't leave you so long as you are in mourning. It would be most unfriendly. If I were in mourning you would stay with me, I suppose, (to be, to be, to stay) (Wilde)

10. He was a power in the College, and would be in any society, (to be) (Snow)

2 conditional/sunjunctive

He was a power in the College, and will be in any society <- not conditional?

11. If you have news before morning, ring me up at once, (to have) (Hansford Johnson)

main clause = imperative mood

Если ночью придут новости, позвоните мне сразу же (потом и при условии)

If you will have news before morning, ring me up at once

Сообщите мне сразу же, будут ли ночью новости (сейчас или потом)

НапИшите мне (потом и при условии), ЕСЛИ они позвонят.

НапишИте мне (сейчас или потом), позвонят ЛИ они.

12. I like the place. The air suits me. I won't be surprised if I settle down here, (to be — negative, to settle down) (Shaw)

13. There is nothing the Barkers won't do for a few pounds, (to do — negative) (Wilson)

литота

There is nothing the Barkers will do for a few pounds <- Cond I

There is nothing the Barkers do for a few pounds <- Cond 0

14. Well that wasn't true what she said and, if it is that will be no business of hers, (to be, to be) (A. Wilson)

Well that wasn't true what she said and, if it were that would be no business of hers

15, "She told me the other day that her heart stopped for five minutes when that horrid nurse was rude to her." "Nonsense! She wouldn't have been alive now if her heart had stopped for five seconds." (to be — negative, to stop) (Shaw)

She wouldn't be alive now if her heart had stopped for five seconds."

<- Mixed Cond (условие в прошлом, основа - сейчас)

16. I think it will do her so much good to have a short stroll with you in the Park, Dr. Chasuble. (to do) (Wilde)

17. The story I have to tell would have never happened if one day I had walked across the street, (to happen, to walk — negative) (Maugham)

18. "She is so wretched," I told him, "that she will gladly die tomorrow morning if it isn't for the baby." (to die, to be — negative) (Hansford Johnson)

"She is so wretched," I told him, "that she would gladly die tomorrow morning if it wasn't for the baby."

19. If I were you I would go abroad again.. (to be, to go) (Hardy)

20. "I think, Edward," said Mrs. Dashwood, "you will be a happier man if you have any profession to engage your time and give an interest to your plans and actions. Some inconvenience to your friends, indeed, might result from it: you won't be able to give them so much of your time." (to be, to have, to be — negative) (Austen)

21. Jago was longing for me to say that he ought to be the next Master. A few years before I would have said yes on the spot, (to say) (Snow)

22. And if I had known I was going to meet you, I would have dressed differently. (to know, to dress) (I.Shaw)

23. If he returns here, send him to us at once, (to return) (Priestley)

Если (при условии) вернется - пошлите его к нам

24. I wouldn't have been what I am but for him. (to be— negative) (Maugham)

I wouldn't be what I am if he hadn't help me. <- Mixed

25. "Why are you talking this rubbish," he said, "and making me talk it too?" "If what you say was/were true, women would be either poisonous or boringl" (to be, to be) (Murdoch)

26. Just think, if I had bought the pictures I would have been a rich woman now. (to buy, to be) (Maugham)

Just think, if I had bought the pictures I would be a rich woman now. <- Mixed

(unreal in the past)(unreal at the present) - mixed

27. Mr. Gresham, this marriage will, at any rate, put an end to your pecuniary embarrassment, unless, indeed, Frank proves a hard creditor, (to prove) (Trollope)

prove = be

2. linking verb if something proves dangerous, expensive, etc. or if it proves to be dangerous, etc., you discover that it is dangerous, etc. over a period of time

synonym turn out (4)

+ adj. The opposition proved too strong for him.

It was proving extremely difficult to establish the truth.

+ noun Shares in the industry proved a poor investment.

His lack of experience may prove a problem in a crisis.

prove to be something The promotion proved to be a turning point in his career.

Their fears proved to be groundless.

28. Anyhow, a fire started, and if a young fellow who's working here hadn't instantly set about with an axe, their big storage tank of gasolene would have gone up in the air and God knows what would have happened then, (to set about — negative, to go up, to happen)

We all would have gone with it. (to go)

Honestly, we're all lucky to be alive. If it hadn't gone for this chap, we wouldn't have been (to be — negative, to be — negative) (Priestley)

we wouldn be < Mixed

mourning noun BrE /ˈmɔːnɪŋ/ ; NAmE /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/ [uncountable]

1. sadness that you show and feel because somebody has died

synonym grief

The government announced a day of national mourning for the victims.

She was still in mourning for her husband.

2. clothes that people wear to show their sadness at somebody’s death

The queen was dressed in mourning.

long verb BrE /lɒŋ/ ; NAmE /lɔːŋ/ , /lɑːŋ/

[intransitive] to want something very much especially if it does not seem likely to happen soon

synonym yearn

long for somebody/something Lucy had always longed for a brother.

long for somebody to do something He longed for Pat to phone.

long to do something I'm longing to see you again.

see also longed-for

II гл.

очень хотеть, страстно желать (чего-л.), испытывать потребность (в чём-л.), стремиться (к чему-л.)

pecuniary adjective BrE /pɪˈkjuːniəri/ ; NAmE /pɪˈkjuːnieri/ (formal) - relating to or connected with money

pecuniary advantage

1)

а) денежный, финансовый, монетарный

б) облагаемый штрафом

2) уст. преследующий материальные интересы; ищущий выгоды

set about phrasal verb

set about somebody - (British English, old-fashioned, informal) to attack somebody

set about something | set about doing something - [no passive] to start doing something

She set about the business of cleaning the house.

We need to set about finding a solution.

Exercise 3 Translate into English

1. Вы бы чувствовали себя лучше, если бы не ложились спать так поздно (to keep late hours).

You would feel much better if you kept late hours.

Вы бы сейчас чувствовали себя лучше, если бы вчера не ложились спать так поздно (to keep late hours).

Mixed: You would feel much better if you had kept late hours

2. Мы бы не опоздали на поезд, если бы взяли такси.

We wouldn't have been late for the train if we had taken a taxi. (unreal past)(unreal past)

3. Мы могли бы, пойти на каток, если бы не было так холодно.

We could go to a skating rink if it wasn't so cold.

We could go to a skating rink if it weren't o cold.

4. Если бы вчера не было так холодно, мы, возможно, пошли бы на каток.

If it hadn't been so cold yesterday, we would probably have gone to a skating rink.

5. Если бы вы не сидели на сквозняке (to sit in the draught),.вы бы не простудились.

If you hadn't sat in the draught, you would have had no cold. III

If you hadn't sat in the draught, you would have no cold now. Mixed

6. Вы бы себя хорошо сегодня чувствовали, если бы приняли вчера лекарство.

You would feel much better if you had taken the drug yesterday.

Mixed (unreal - present) (unreal - past)

7. Если бы я был на вашем месте, я бы больше проводил времени на открытом воздухе.

If I were you, I would spent much time ourdoors (in the open air).

8. Вы бы лучше знали язык, если бы прочитали летом несколько английских книг.

You would have read English better if you had read some english books last summer. III

You would read English better if you had read some english books last summer. Mixed

9. Если бы не моя болезнь, я бы уже окончил университет.

If I had had no disease, I would have already graduated from the university.

But for my disease, I would have already graduated from the university.

10. Вы бы не разбили вазу, если бы были осторожны.

You wouldn't have broken the vase if you had been careful

11. Мы, возможно, не заблудились бы, если бы ночь не была такой темной.

We wouldn't probably have been lost if the night hadn't been so dark.

12. Я вернусь не позднее шести, если меня не задержат в университете.

I will come before 6 pm unless they delay me in the university.

13. Если бы не дождь, мы могли бы поехать за город.

Unless it was raining, we could go to the country today. Mixed

Unless it had been raining, we could have gone to the country. III

But for the rain, we could have gone to the country. III

14. Вы были бы уже здоровы, если бы вовремя обратились к врачу.

You would have been perfectly well if you had visited a doctor.

You would be perfectly well if you had visited a doctor. <- MIxed

15. Если бы не ваша помощь, я бы не смог кончить вчера работу.

But for your help, I wouldn't have finished my work yeasterday.

16. Предположим, мы были бы свободны сегодня вечером, куда бы мы пошли?

Supposing we are not busy tonight, where would we go?

17. В случае, если пойдет дождь, я останусь дома.

In case it is raining, I will stay at home

18. Я бы не упал, если бы не было так скользко.

I wouldn't have fallen unless the path was so slippery

19. Если бы не такси, я, возможно, опоздал бы на поезд.

Unless I had taken a taxi, I would have been late for the train

(Based on an episode from David Copperfield by Ch. Dickens.)

1. Если бы миссис Копперфильд не имела намерения выйти замуж, она бы не послала Давида к мистеру Пеготти.

If Mrs Copperfield hadn't wanted to get married, she wouldn't have sent David to Mr Peggotty

2. Глядя на маленькую Эмили, Давид часто думал о том, что если бы не мистер Пеготти, она была бы несчастным бесприютным (homeless) ребенком.

Looking at little Emily, David often thought that but for Mr Peggotty, she would have been an unhappy homeless child.

3. Давид сказал Пеготти: «Я думаю, что ваш брат очень добрый человек; он бы не удочерил (to adopt) маленькую Эмили, если бы он не был такой добрый».

David said to Peggotty: 'I think that your brother is a very kind man. He wouldn't have adopted little Emily unless he were so kind person. '

4. Маленькая Эмили часто говорила Давиду, что если бы случилось так, что она когда-нибудь стала богатой дамой, она подарила бы мистеру Пеготти золотые часы, серебряную трубку и целый ящик денег.

Little Emily often said to David that if she had become a rich lady, she would have presented Mr Peggotty with a gold watch, a silver pipe and a whole money box.

not conditional

Little Emily often said to David that if she would become a rich lady, she would present Mr Peggotty with a gold watch, a silver pipe and a whole money box.

subjunctive

5. Давид не знал, что его матушка вышла замуж за мистера Мердстона. Если бы он знал об этом, он не возвращался бы домой в таком хорошем настроении.

David didn't know that his mother had got married Mr Murdstone. If he had known of that, he woldln't have come back home in such a good mood.

6. Если бы мистер Мердстон сказал Давиду хотя бы одно ласковое (kind) слово, мальчик, возможно, привязался бы к нему.

If Mr Murdstone had said to David a kind word, maybe the boy would have gotten attached to him.

7. Увидев на лице Давида следы слез, мистер Мердстон велел ему немедленно умыться. Мальчик сразу понял, что если бы случилось так, что он ослушался отчима, тот бы его жестоко избил.

Noticing the traces of tears on David's face, Mr Murdstone told him to wash his face immediately.

The boy realized at once, that if he disobeyed his step-father, the latter would beat him violently.

8. «Как мы были бы сейчас счастливы, если бы матушка не вышла замуж за мистера Мердстона», часто думал Давид.

'How happy we would have been if my mother hadn't gotten married Mr Murdstone' David thought often.

'How happy we would be if my mother hadn't gotten married Mr Murdstone' David thought often.

Mixed

9. Давид был способный мальчик и мог бы хорошо учиться, если бы на уроках не присутствовали Мердстоны.

David was a clever boy and he might study very good if the Merdsones were not in the classroom.

10. Давид стал угрюмым и вялым (dull) ребенком. Он, возможно, совсем бы отупел (to get stupefied), если бы не книги, которые он читал часами.

David became a morose and dull child. Maybe he would get stupefied unless he was reading books for hours.

David became a morose and dull child. Maybe he would get stupefied but for reading books for hours.

morose adjective BrE /məˈrəʊs/ ; NAmE /məˈroʊs/ - unhappy, bad-tempered and not talking very much

synonym gloomy

She just sat there looking morose.

She seems a bit morose today.

See related entries: Unhappiness

gloomy adjective BrE /ˈɡluːmi/ ; NAmE /ˈɡluːmi/ (gloomier, gloomiest)

1. nearly dark, or badly lit in a way that makes you feel sad

synonym depressing

a gloomy room/atmosphere

It was a wet and gloomy day.

2. sad and without hope

synonym glum

a gloomy expression

We sat in gloomy silence.

3. without much hope of success or happiness in the future

synonym depressing

a gloomy picture of the country’s economic future

Suddenly, the future didn't look so gloomy after all.

sullen adjective BrE /ˈsʌlən/ ; NAmE /ˈsʌlən/ (disapproving)

1. bad-tempered and not speaking, either on a particular occasion or because it is part of your character

Bob looked pale and sullen.

She gave him a sullen glare.

sullen teenagers

He lapsed into a sullen silence.

2. (literary) (of the sky or weather) dark and unpleasant

a sullen grey sky

Contracted forms (Listening)

1. I'd've had time if I'd got up earlier

2. They might've called earlier

3. She would've offered if she hadn't meant it.

4. Would you've done it if you'd known?

5. We might not have passed without you help.

6. What would you've done with your life if you hadn't had children?

7. You wouldn't have wanted it any other way

8. If he hadn't had an accident he might have arrived at 8 o'clock.

The Apprentice

We really couldn't figure out one niche product to sell... that would've necessarily worked.

from A Practical English Grammar, Thompson & Martinet

Conditionals Type 1. Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tenses.

1 If I see him I will give (give) him a lift.

2 The table will collapse if you stand (stand) on it.

3 If he eats (eat) all that he will be ill.

4 If I find your passport I will telephone (telephone) you at once.

5 The police will arrest (arrest) him if they catch him.

6 If he reads (read) in bad light he will ruin his eyes.

7 Someone will steal (steal) your car if you leave it unlocked.

8 What will happen if my parachute does not open (not open)?

9 If he washes (wash) my car I'll give him £10.

10 If she needs (need) a radio she can borrow mine.

11 If you don't go (not go) away I'll send for the police.

12 I'll be very angry if he makes (make) any more mistakes.

13 If he is (be) late we'll go without him.

14 She will be absolutely furious if she hears (hear) about this.

15 If you put on the kettle I will make (make) the tea.

16 If you give my dog a bone he will bury (bury) it at once.

17 If we leave the car here it won't be (not be) in anybody's way.

18 He'll be late for the train if he doesn't start (not start) at once.

19 If you come late they won't let (not let) you in.

20 If he goes (go) on telling lies nobody will believe a word he says.

21 Unless he sells (sell) more he won't get much commission.

22 If I lend you £10 when will you repay (repay) me?

23 We'll have to move upstairs if the river rises (rise) any higher.

24 If he works (work) hard today can he have a holiday tomorrow?

25 Ice turns (turn) to water if you heat it. Cond 0

Ice will turn (turn) to water if you heat it. Cond I

26 If the house burns (burn) down we can claim compensation.

27 If you don't like (not like) this one I'll bring you another.

28 Unless you are more careful you will have (have) an accident.

29 Tell him to ring me up if you see (see) him.

30 If I tell you a secret, will you promise (promise) not to tell it to anyone else?

31 If you don't believe (not believe) what I say, ask your mother.

32 If he likes (like) the house will he buy it?

33 If you will kindly sit down I will make (make) enquiries for you.

politeness

Если бы хотели присесть, я бы помог вам

will in if-clause connects with modal meaning - volition?

If you sit down I will make (make) enquiries for you.

Если вы присядите, я сделаю для вас запросы.

Will, would and should in if-clause

we can use them in if-clause to make a request or express insistence, annoyance, doubt, or uncertainty

If you will/would calm down for a minute, I will be able tohelp you. Request - Will you please calm down?

If you will make a noise, I will send you out. Insistence - if you insist of making noise

If you should need any help, ask me Uncertainty - I am not sure you will need help

+

If we are talking about willingness to do something, then it is possible to use would, as an alternative to the past simple, in the if clause:

'If you would only tell me what the problem was, I would help you to find a solution.'

'If you would help me with the painting, we would finish decorating this room today.'

Add: Should in conditional sentences

Should is often used in conditional clauses expressing possibilities, suppositions etc.

By using should in the if-clause we are suggesting that something is unlikely or not particularly probable.

• If you should run into Mathews, tell him that he owes me $100. (= Your chances of meeting Mathews are rather slim, but if you MEET him, tell him that he owes me some money.)

• If she should come, ask her to wait. (She is unlikely to come, but if she COMES, ask her to wait.)

• If they should attack us again, we will give them a warm reception. (They are unlikely to attack us again, but if they DO, we will make it memorable for them as well.)

Should can also go at the beginning of the sentence. In this case, if is dropped.

• Should it rain, there will be no picnic today. (= If it should rain, there will be no picnic today.)

• Should she arrive, ask her to wait.

• Should she fail the test, she will lose her job. (= If she should fail the test, she will lose her job.)

Instead of should we can use happen in the if-clause.

If you happen to meet John, tell him that the meeting has been postponed.

OR

If you should meet John, tell him that the meeting has been postponed.

Should and happen to can be used together.

If you should happen to lose your job, what will you do?

+

'If you should have any free time, make sure you visit the old town.' (I don't really expect you will have any free time, but if you do...)

'Should you fail this exam, you can always re-take it next year.' (I think it's unlikely, but it's possible you may fail it and if you do...)

34 Unless I have a quiet room I won't be able (not be able) to do any work.

35 She won't open the door unless she knows (know) who it is.

36 Should you require anything else please ring (ring) the bell for the attendant.

from A Practical English Grammar, Thompson & Martinet

Conditionals Type 2. Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tenses.

1 If I had a typewriter I would type (type) it myself.

2 If I knew (know) his address I'd give it to you.

3 He would look (look) a lot better if he shaved more often.

4 If you played (play) for lower stakes you wouldn't lose so much.

If you were playing (play) for lower stakes you wouldn't lose so much.

5 If he worked more slowly he would not make (not make) so many mistakes.

6 I shouldn't drink that wine if I were (be) you.

7 More tourists would come to this country if it had (have) a better climate.

8 If I were sent to prison would you visit (visit) me?

9 If someone gave (give) you a helicopter what would you do with it?

10 I would buy (buy) shares in that company if I had some money.

11 If he cleaned (clean) his windscreen he'd be able to see where he was going.

12 If you drove your car into the river would you be able (be able) to get out?

13 If you did not belong (not belong) to a union you couldn't get a job.

14 If I won (win) a big prize in a lottery I'd give up my job.

15 What would you do (do) if you found a burglar in your house?

16 I could tell you what this means if I knew (know) Greek.

17 If everybody gave (give) £1 we would have enough.

18 He might get fat if he stopped (stop) smoking.

19 If he knew that it was dangerous he would not come (not come).

20 If you saw (see) someone drowning what would you do?

21 I would be (be) ruined if I bought her everything she asked for.

22 If you slept under a mosquito net you would not be (not be) bitten so often.

23 I could get a job easily if I had (have) a degree.

24 If she did (do) her hair differently she might look quite nice.

25 If we had more rain our crops would grow (grow) faster.

26 The whole machine would fall to pieces if you removed (remove) that screw.

27 I would keep (keep) a horse if I could afford it.

28 I'd go and see him more often if he lived (live) on a bus route.

29 If they banned (ban) the sale of alcohol at football matches there might be less violence.

30 I would offer (offer) to help if I thought I'd be any use.

subj

31 What would you do if the lift got (get) stuck between two floors?

32 If you painted (paint) the walls white the room would be much brighter.

33 If you changed (change) your job would it affect your pension?

34 If you knew you had only six weeks to live how would you spend (spend) those six weeks?

35 You wouldn't have so much trouble with your car if you had (have) it serviced regularly.

36 I'd climb over the wall if there was not (not be) so much broken glass on top of it.

from A Practical English Grammar, Thompson & Martinet

Conditionals Type 3. Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tenses.

1 If I had known that you were in hospital I'd've visited (visit) you.

2 The ground was very soft. But for that, my horse would've won (win).

3 If you'd arrived (arrive) ten minutes earlier you would have got a seat.

4 You would have seen my garden at its best if you'd been (be) here last week.

5 But for his quickness I'd've been (be) killed.

6 I shouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen (not see) it with my own eyes.

7 If he had slipped he'd've fallen (fall) 500 metres.

8 If he had asked you, would you've accepted (accept)?

9 If I'd had (had) a map I would have been all right.

10 If I'd known (know) that you were coming I'd have baked a cake.

11 I'd've offered (offer) to help him if I had realized that he was ill.

12 If you had left that wasp alone it wouldn't've stung (not sting) you.

13 If I'd realized (realize) what a bad driver you were I wouldn't have come with you.

14 If I had realized that the traffic lights were red I'd've stopped (stop).

15 But for the fog we'd've reached (reach) our destination ages ago.

16 If you had told me that he never paid his debts I wouldn't have lent (not lend) him the money.

17 If you hadn't sneezed (not sneeze) he wouldn't have known that we were there.

18 If you'd put (put) some mustard in the sandwiches they would have tasted better.

19 The hens wouldn't have gotten(not get) into the house if you had shut the door.

20 If he had known that the river was dangerous he wouldn't have tried (not try) to swim across it.

21 If you'd spoken (speak) more slowly he might have understood you.

22 If he had known the whole story he wouldn't've been (not be) so angry.

23 I shouldn't have eaten it if I'd known (know) that there was ginger in it.

24 If I'd tried (try) again I think that I would have succeeded.

25 You wouldn't've gotten (not get) into trouble if you had obeyed my instructions.

26 If you hadn't been in such a hurry you wouldn't have put (not put) sugar into the sauce instead of salt.

27 If I'd been(be) ready when he called he would have taken me with him.

28 She had a headache; otherwise she'd've come (come) with us.

29 If she had listened to my directions she wouldn't've turned (not turn) down the wrong street.

30 If you'd looked (look) at the engine for a moment you would have seen what was missing.

31 Rome would've been captured (be captured) by her enemies if the geese hadn't cackled.

32 He would have been arrested if he'd tried (try) to leave the country.

33 I'd've taken (take) a taxi if I had realized that it was such a long way.

34 You'd've saved (save) me a lot of trouble if you had told me where you were going.

35 They would have forced their way into the house if I hadn't called (not call) for help.

36 If he had put out his pipe before putting it in his pocket he wouldn't've burned (not burn) a hole in his coat.

34 If he were in he'd've answered (answer) the phone.

Если бы он вообще когда-либо заходил внутрь, он бы в тот момент ответил на звонок

Mixed

35 The ship would have run aground if the pilot had made (make) one mistake.

36 I shouldn't have taken your umbrella if I'd known (know) that it was the only one you had.

from A Practical English Grammar, Thompson & Martinet

Mixed types conditionals. Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tenses.

see YN. Conditionals

1 If you find (find) a skeleton in the cellar don't mention it to anyone.

2 If you pass your examination we will have (have) a celebration.

3 What will happen (happen) if I press this button?

4 I should have voted for her if I had had (have) a vote then.

5 If you go to Paris where will you stay (stay)?

6 If someone offered to buy you one of those rings, which would you choose (choose)?

7 The flight may be cancelled if the fog gets (get) thick.

8 If the milkman comes (come), tell him to leave two pints.

9 Someone will sit (sit) on your glasses if you leave them there.

10 You would play better bridge if you did not talk (not talk) so much.

11 What will I do (do) if I hear the burglar alarm?

12 If you had read (read) the instructions carefully you wouldn't have answered the wrong question.

13 I could repair the roof myself if I had (have) a long ladder.

14 Unless they turn that radio off I will go (go) mad.

15 If you were made redundant what would you do (do)?

16 We'll have a long way to walk if we (run) out of petrol here.

17 If you shake that bottle of port it (not be) fit to drink.

18 I'll probably get lost unless he (come) with me.

19 You (not have) so many accidents if you drove more slowly.

20 If you (wear) a false beard nobody would have recognized you.

21 If she (leave) the fish there the car will get it.

22 Unless they leave a lamp beside that hole in the road somebody (fall) into it.

23 You'll get pneumonia if you (not change) your wet clothes.

24 If I had known that you couldn't eat octopus I (not buy) it.

25 If they (hang) that picture lower people would be able to see it.

26 She (be able) to walk faster if her shoes hadn't such high heels.

27 I (bring) you some beer if I had known that you were thirsty.

28 If you had touched that electric cable you (be) electrocuted.

29 If the story hadn't been true the newspaper (not print) it.

30 I (not buy) things on the instalment system if I were you.

31 Dial 999 if you (want) Police, Ambulance, or Fire Brigade.

32 You (not be) any use to me unless you learn to type.

33 If anyone attacked me, my dog (jump) at his throat.