Grammar for advanced students 04: Conditionals - Thẩm Tâm Vy

 Thẩm Tâm Vy, November 26th, 2018 GRAMMAR PRACTICE FOR ADVANCED STUDENTS 04 ~ CONDITIONALS 
GRAMMAR PRACTICE FOR ADVANCED STUDENTS 04 
CONDITIONALS 
Basic Usage 
• What is always true: present + present 
 - If I work late, I get tired. 
 - If the water is boiling, it means the food is nearly ready. 
 - I get the bus if I miss the train. 
• What was always true: past + past 
 - We went home early if it was / were foggy. 
 - If it was / were snowing, we stayed at home. 
 - She went to bed early if she felt really tired. 
• Real situations: present + future 
 Here we think that the outcome is really possible. 
 - If you keep driving like that, you're going to have an accident. 
 - There won't be enough food if too ma ny people turn up. 
• Hypothetical situations: past + would 
 These are unreal or imaginary situations. 
 - If I knew the answer, I'd tell you. 
 - If I was having a party, I wouldn't invite Marcia. 
 - He wouldn't be afraid of dogs if he had one as a pet 
 - If she were / was better qualified, she would be ideal for the job. 
 The verb be usually takes the form were for all persons in these sentences, though was 
is used in everyday speech. Note that in the first person it is possible to use should 
instead of would, but this is very formal and old-fashioned. 
 - If I left home, I think I should be lonely. 
• Hypothetical past situations: past perfect + would have 
 These refer to past events. 
 - If I had known you were coming, I would have met you at the station. 
 - I wouldn't have tried to lift it if I’d known it was so heavy! 
• With modals 
 Possible situations in the present 
 - If you get wet, you should change your clothes immediately. 
 - If you come early, we can discuss the problem together. 
 - If we leave now, we might get there by 6.00. 
• Hypothetical situations 
 - If I had the money, I could help you. 
 - If you were taller, you'd be able to reach the top shelf. 
• Hypothetical past situations 
 - She could have been injured if she hadn't been wearing a seat-belt 
 - If you hadn't reminded me, I might have forgotten. 
Variations 
• If only 
 This adds emphasis to hypothetical situations. With past events it adds a sense of 
regret. The second part of the sentence is often left out. 
 - If only my phone was / were working, I could call a taxi. 
 - If only I hadn't drunk too much, this wouldn't have happened! 
 - If only I had enough time! 
 - If only you listened to me! 
• Unless and other alternatives to if 
 Unless means 'only if not’ 
 - Unless you call me this afternoon, I won't get the tickets. 
 (This means: I’ll only get the tickets if you call me.) 
 - I'll go ahead and get the tickets unless you call me this afternoon. 
 (This means: If you call me this afternoon, I won’t get the tickets.) 
 If one situation depends on another, if can be replaced by as / so long as, provided 
(that) or only if. 
 - I'll do what you say provided (that) the police are not informed. 
 - You'll be fine, as long as you don't slip! 
 Even if describes how something will happen whatever the condition. 
 - Even if it rains, we'll still go for a picnic. 
 - We wouldn't have won the game even if Smiths goal had been allowed. 
• Past events with results in the present: past perfect + would 
 - If Jim hadn't missed the plane, he would be here by now. 
 - She would still be alive if she had seen a doctor in time. 
• Should 
 After if, this makes the possibility of an event seem unlikely. 
 - If you should see Ann, could you ask her to call me? 
 (This implies that I do not expect you to see Ann.) 
 - Let me know if you should change your mind. 
 (This implies that I do not expect you to change your mind.) 
• Were to 
 This also makes an event seem more hypothetical. 
 - If I were to ask you to marry me, what would you say? 
 - How would you feel if you were to get the job after all? 
• Happen to 
 This emphasizes chance possibilities. It is often used with should. 
 - If you happen to see Helen, could you ask her to call me? 
 - If you should happen to be passing, drop in for a cup o f tea. 
• If it were not for / If it hadn’t been for 
 This describes how one event depends on another. 
 - If it weren’t for Jim, this company would be in a mess, 
 - If it hadn’t been for their goalkeeper, United would have lost. 
• Will and would: politeness and emphasis 
 These can be used as polite forms. 
 - If you will / would wait here, I’ll see if Mrs Green is free. 
 Thẩm Tâm Vy, November 26th, 2018 GRAMMAR PRACTICE FOR ADVANCED STUDENTS 04 ~ CONDITIONALS 
 Will can also be used for emphasis, meaning ‘insist on doing’. 
 - If you will stay out late, no wonder you are tired! 
OTHER WAYS OF MAKING A CONDITIONAL SENTENCE 
• Supposing, otherwise 
 Supposing or suppose can replace if mainly in everyday speech. 
 - Supposing you won the lottery, what would you do? 
 - Suppose he comes back, what will you say? 
 Otherwise means ‘if not’. It can go at the beginning or end of the sentence. 
 - If it doesn't rain soon, Til have to water the garden. 
 - I hope it rains soon, otherwise I'll have to water the garden. 
 - If you hadn’t given us directions, we wouldn’t have found the house. 
 - Thanks for your directions to the house. We wouldn’t have found it otherwise. 
• But for 
 This can replace if not. It is used in formal language, and must be followed by a noun 
form. 
 - If you hadn’t helped us, we would have been in trouble. 
 - But for your help, we would have been in trouble. 
• If so, if not 
 These can refer to a verb in a previous sentence. 
 - There is a possibility that Jack will be late. If so, I will take his place. 
 - Have you completed your project? If not, when do intend to hand it in? 
• Colloquial omission of if 
 An imperative can be used instead of an if-clause in everyday speech. 
 - Sit down, and I’ll make us a cup of tea. ( = If you sit down ...) 
 - Come back later and I’ll tell you. (= If you come back later...) 
• If and adjectives 
 In expressions such as if it is necessary / possible, it is possible to omit the verb be. 
 - If interested, apply within. 
 - If necessary, take a taxi. 
 - If possible, leave before 6.00. 
• Formally if can mean ‘although’, usually followed by an adjective. 
 - The room was well-furnished, if a little badly decorated. 
 - Her work is of a good standard, if sometimes rather untidy. 
PRACTICE 
I. Complete the sentences with the best form of the verbs in brackets. 
1. Now we’re lost! If you (write down) => If you had written down Emma’s directions, 
this (not / happen).................................................................. 
2. Why don’t we emigrate? If we (live).....................................................in Australia, at 
least the weather (b e )............................................................better! 
3. I’m afraid that Smith is a hardened criminal. If we (not / punish).................................. 
...............him this time, he (only / com m it)..................................................more crimes. 
4. Thanks to Dr Jones, I’m still alive! If it (not / be).......... for her, I (be)................dead 
for certain. 
5. I’m sorry I can’t lend you any money. You know that if I (have)..................it, I 
(lend).....................it to you. 
6. Don’t be afraid. If you (touch).............. the dog, it (not / bite)..................... 
7. In those days, If you (have).....................a job, you (be).................. lucky. 
8. It’s always the same! If I (decide)..................to leave the office early, my boss 
(call).....................me after I’ve left! 
9. What a terrible thing to happen! Just think, if we (not / m iss).................the plane, we 
(kill).......................in the crash. 
10 Did you enjoy your meal? If you (finish)................eating, I (clear away).............the 
plates. 
II. Correct any verb forms which are incorrect or inappropriate. Put a tick  if the 
sentence is correct. 
1. If you haven’t received a letter yet, you haven’t got the job. ........... 
2. If it isn’t for Alex, we are missing the bus.................. 
3. If it’s raining, we go to the pub on the corner instead.................. 
4. If you didn’t lend us the money, we would have gone to the bank.................. 
5. If you should happen to change your mind, drop me a line.................. 
6. If it wasn’t for the rain, we would have been home by now................. 
7. If you will drive so fast, no wonder the police keep stopping you.................. 
8. If I knew you were coming, I would have met you at the airport.................. 
9. But for you helped us, we would have taken much longer. 
10. If Jack joins the team, I’m leaving.................. 
III. Choose the best ending (A, B or C) to complete each sentence. 
1. If youd told me you were coming 
A. I can get some food in. 
B. I’d have found us something to eat. 
C. I made a lovely dish. 
2. If you’re too ill to come 
A. I’ll come over and see you. 
B. I wouldn’t have done all this for you. 
C. I asked someone else. 
3. If I’d known you weren’t coming 
A. I wouldn’t be very upset. 
B. I would like to know why. 
C. I wouldn’t have gone to so much trouble. 
4. If you’re not coming 
A. perhaps you’d have the courtesy to tell me. 
B. we’d never have met. 
C. you’d be so lucky. 
5. If only you’d come 
A. I’ll be the happiest girl alive. 
 Thẩm Tâm Vy, November 26th, 2018 GRAMMAR PRACTICE FOR ADVANCED STUDENTS 04 ~ CONDITIONALS 
B. I’d have had a lovely time. 
C. I would look forward to it. 
6. If you do decide to come 
A. the party’s always a success. B I won’t be coming either. C. let me know. 
7. If you really don’t want to come 
A. I’ll understand. B. I cant be sure. C. tell me tomorrow. 
IV. Complete each sentence with a phrase containing a form of the verb in 
brackets. 
1. If I were (say) ....to say I...loved you, what would you do? 
2. If it (rain) ................I would have gone out for a walk. 
3. If only youJd told me it was a surprise party, I (say).............anything to Uncle Frank! 
4. Thanks for your help with the garden; I (do).................it without you. 
5. If only Mick had come to the disco, then we (have).....................a great time! 
6. (pay).........................the phone bill today, the phone will be cut off. 
7. If I (had).......................your tools, I wouldn’t have been able to fix the car. 
8. Those wires look a bit dangerous; (touch).....................if I were you. 
9. If (be)......................the goalkeeper's heroics, we would have lost the match. 
V. Rewrite each sentence in three different ways, using the words in CAPITALS. 
1. We wont go away if the weather is bad. 
 => We'll go away unless the weather is bad. 
 ....................................................................... 
 ....................................................................... 
2. If you hurry up, you won’t be late. 
 ....................................................................... 
 ....................................................................... 
 ....................................................................... 
3. If they offered you the job, would you accept? 
 ....................................................................... 
 ....................................................................... 
 ....................................................................... 
4. Without your help, I would have given up years ago. 
 ....................................................................... 
 ....................................................................... 
 ....................................................................... 
5. I’ll lend you the money on condition that you pay it back 
next week. 
 ....................................................................... 
 ....................................................................... 
 ....................................................................... 
UNLESS 
ONLY 
STAY 
DON’T 
OR 
WANT 
WERE TO 
SHOULD 
HAPPENED 
HADN’T BEEN 
BUT 
HADN’T HELPED 
PROVIDED 
LONG 
ONLY 
VI. Complete the text, using one word in each gap. 
 Mr Jeffries, I have decided against a prison sentence in your case. You may walk free 
from this court on (1) ...condition....that you report to Chesham police station every 
Friday for the next six months. Should you fail to (2)..........so, you will be given one 
warning; and if you persist (3).......failing to meet this obligation, you will return to this 
court for a harsher sentence. (4)........you can present a good reason why you were 
unable to report to the station, you will (5).......yourself In serious trouble, if you are 
(6).......to attend because of illness, please note that a medical certificate must be 
produced, signed by your doctor, proving your state of health. You should realize that, 
(7).......for your previous good conduct, I would (8).......had no hesitation in imposing a 
prison sentence. And I shall not forget that if your friend had (9).......intervened in the 
fight, you might (10)........seriously injured the defendant. 
(1)......................(2) .................... (3)........................(4)......................(5) .......................... 
(6)......................(7) .................... (8)........................(9)......................(10) ........................ 
VII. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first 
sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. 
1 I didn’t have the money so I didn’t buy a new suit. WOULD 
 If I had the money, I would have bought a new suit. 
2. If you are in London by any chance, come and see me. HAPPEN 
 If you................................................ , come and see me. 
3. If you insist on doing everything yourself, of course you’ll feel tired! WILL 
 If you........................................................ of course you’ll feel tired! 
4. Please take a seat, and I’ll inquire for you. WILL 
 If you..........................................................I’ll inquire for you. 
5. If you do the shopping, I’ll cook lunch. AND 
 You...................................I’ll cook lunch. 
6. If Bill hadn’t been interested, the project would have been abandoned. INTEREST 
 But.............................................the project would have been abandoned. 
7. The fire was brought under control thanks to the night-watchman. FOR 
 If it hadn’t ..........................................................got out of control. 
8. Jason is in prison because a detective recognized him. IF 
 Jason wouldn’t ....................................recognized him. 
9. I am not tall enough to reach the shelf. TALLER 
 If I ...............................................teach the shelf 
10 But for Julie acting so wonderfully, the play would be a flop. WONDERFUL 
 If it ...................................................................the play would be a flop. 
11. It won’t make any difference if HAGL score first; SLNA will still win. EVEN 
 United............................................... .......................HAGL score first. 
12. Getting up early makes me feel hungry. GET 
 If.....................................makes me feel hungry. 
VIII. Complete each sentence using the words in brackets. Change the verb forms 
if necessary. 
1. That was a lucky escape! If I (fall) .Jilfli&.'fi&U-jfKV'........ , I’d have broken my leg. 
2. If you (finish / with my pen)..........................., Id like it back please. 
3. Unless Pete (try / harder)............................... , he won’t win the competition. 
4. If you took more time over your work, you (not m ake)..................so many mistakes. 
 Thẩm Tâm Vy, November 26th, 2018 GRAMMAR PRACTICE FOR ADVANCED STUDENTS 04 ~ CONDITIONALS 
5. But for Sallys bravery, Jim (drown)................................. 
6. If you’d told me you were coming, I (buy)...............................more food. 
7. If (it / not be )............................... for Jane, the deal wouldn’t have gone through. 
8. If (I / b e )...............................late, youd better start without me, 
9. If Ann had known Tom wasn’t coming, she (not / go).........................to so much 
trouble. 
10. (finish / the painting)...............................by Friday, and we’ll pay you extra. 
IX. Complete the text, using one word in each gap. 
 Dear Sir or Madam, 
 We would like to remind you that your account is two months overdue. We are 
prepared to allow you another ten days to settle your account. However, (1) if you fail to 
pay your outstanding bills within ten days, you leave us with no alternative but to take 
legal action. That is, (2)...........we receive full payment by 20
th
 March, we will refer this 
matter to our legal department. (3)............you be experiencing financial difficulties, 
please contact our Finance Department. (4)............that you settle your account within 
the specified time period, we will (5)...........happy to continue to do business with you. 
However, we (6)...............if necessary, take the regrettable step of closing your account. 
We are sorry that this situation has arisen, but if you had paid your bills over the last 
two months, we (7)..............not be in this position now. On the other hand, you 
(8)..............have settled your account in the last two days, if (9).............., please accept 
our apologies for this letter, 
 Yours faithfully, 
 Birian Eccles 
Customer Services 
Wood View Office Supplies 
Hoang Su Phi, Vietnam 
ANSWER KEY